WEYMOUTH RFC’s recent youth rugby festival “surpassed all expectations” according to club chairman Glyn Arnold.

The two-day event attracted more than 1,000 people to the area with 39 teams, ranging from under-7s to under-12s, taking to the field and producing some high quality rugby.

Arnold said: “The enjoyment and standard of rugby that came with it was fantastic and the comments we received from visitors afterwards were all very positive.

“We now want to run it again next year with possibly up to 50 teams and we are currently talking with the holiday camps to sort out accommodation.

“We will also have more pitches next year as the roadworks will be completed by then and there is no doubt in my mind that over the next couple of years the event could become as big as the annual hockey festival used to be.”

Arnold also believes the huge turnout at the festival was evidence of the Olympic legacy in progress.

He added: “With Weymouth and Portland in the news regarding the Olympics, I think a lot of clubs now know a lot more about the area and are keen to come down for a good family weekend.

“That is certainly the feeling we had and it is good for the borough, good for business and also good for sport.”