A Greek village, a giant dragon, whales, and even a sculpture of an octopus morphing into Machu Picchu sprung from the sand on Sunday.

The tenth Folkestone Sandcastle Competition drew about 1,000 visitors to Sunny Sands, where 32 teams crossed spades in an attempt to build the best sand-sculpture.

London, Gillingham and Sittingbourne were just some of the areas people had travelled from, to take part in the sand challenge, on behalf of a worthy cause.

Scroll down for videos

Organiser Cath Mison, said: “It was great to see the people of Folkestone come together, there was a great community spirit, Folkestone did itself proud yet again.

“I would like to say a big thank you to everyone who entered and helped the event to be such a big success.

VIDEO: Some of the impressive sandcastles created in Folkestone. Video by Gary Browne

“It must have been one of the biggest turn outs we’ve had yet.”

Including a raffle with prizes donated by local businesses, the event raised about £500 for the Church Street Project.

VIDEO: Organisers say it's the best event yet. Video by Gary Browne

It is a charity that provides counselling and creative and therapies for young people in Shepway.

Cath added: “It was just fantastic.

“After we had finished the children were jumping around playing in the sandcastles.”

For more pictures see this week's Folkestone and Hythe Express.