New Brighton sand sculpture event was a real blast

Jul 1 2009 by Staff Reporter, Birkenhead News

New Brighton sand sculpture event was a real blast

HUNDREDS of youngsters converged on New Brighton shore to create a  unique collection of sand sculptures. 

As the tide went out the  teenagers, aged up to 19, transformed the  shore’s blank canvas into a mass of  images as part of the Wirral Youth Service’s annual summer competition.

The teams of around six worked  from 6.30-8.30pm on Thursday to try to create the winning design before  enjoying a barbecue with their  team-mates.

Youth worker and event organiser Mike Holbrook said: “The weather was perfect for the event as the sun shone down and made the whole  evening even more enjoyable.”

Wirral Youth Service started the  event around ten years ago because  they wanted to create something that was fun and brought a group of teenagers together in a positive way.

It began on Hoylake beach before  moving to Leasowe and finally New  Brighton.

Mike added: “It gets them out, having fun in the open air without having to spend lots of money.”

The Deputy Mayor and Mayoress of Wirral, Councillor Alan Jennings and Mrs Cath Jennings, selected their favourite and presented a sand-plated cup trophy to the winning team, North End Young People’s Project.

Cllr Jennings said: “This is such a good event because it brings all the youth organisations together.

“I think it’s great that the youngsters have got involved and shown support and it’s not uncool to get involved.

“It also shows what the youth of today can do lots of positive things and bring a smile to people’s faces.”