Volleyball is returning to Weymouth beach this week with host of international stars set to play.

The Weymouth Beach Classic is back for its 41st year despite fears that it may not happen this year after the council withdrew its support.

This year there are a number of well known British players to look out for, although, surprisingly, a few will have to play in the qualifiers

These include England Men's international Harry Jones and England’s women's player from the Birmingham Commonwealth games Jess Grimson.

Among the favourites for the men's competition are Scotland internationals James McHardy and Ross McElvie.

Two players who have played for the Weymouth National Division One side this year, Matt Hunter and Todor Topalov, are also in contention to win.

In the women's draw, 2022 Classic winners and Scotland representatives in the  2022 Commonwealth Games Mel Coutts and Lynn Beattie are back and will be the favourites.

However, Vicky Palmer, an England player from the Commonwealth Games and last year’s winner Maria Sviridova will pose a major threat as well as Jess Grimson if she gets through the qualifier.

The Classic kicks off on the evening of Thursday, July 25 with the traditional Nantes Charity Event where 32 local businesses will battle it out for the title.

This is followed on Friday afternoon with the qualifying event of 12 teams competing in the men's and women's competitions - with the final two sides going into Saturday’s main draw.

Play starts at 9am on Saturday morning with matches in the men's and women's early rounds of competition.

Play will finish with the final group matches at about 7pm on Saturday evening.

Sunday will begin with the quarter finals in both competitions and then the day will build to a climax with the women's final at 3pm followed by the men.

The competition is organised Weymouth Volleyball Club has been supported by We Are Weymouth, Nantes solicitors and Ultra Maritime.

It is part of the UKBeach Tour (UKBT) and is just one of two Grand Slam events to be held in Great Britain this year and is the pinnacle of the UKBT's schedule.

Centre court will be positioned at the pavilion end of the beach and will provide 150 free seats for spectators along with a bar, commentary and music to entertain the crowd.