Leading players from the world of beach volleyball converged on Margate at the weekend as part of the sport’s national tour.

Additional courts set up enabled families to experience beach volleyball for themselves, many for the first time.

The weekend formed part of the Beach Volleyball Open which tours several resorts during the summer.

Teenagers from Hartsdown Technology and Dane Court schools were able to try the sport for themselves with a session on the main court, set up in front of a 100 seater grandstand.

Thanet council’s sports development officer Martyn Cassell, who was instrumental in bringing the event to Margate, said: “It’s a fantastic event which the local community has been able to get involved in and a step towards getting Thanet established as a sporting district.”

Mark Kontopoulos, coordinator for Volleyball England, co-organisers of the event, said the council had been very supportive and provided excellent facilities for the occasion, which included some of the best players in the country.

In all, 16 men’s teams and 13 women’s teams competed over the weekend. The action attracted more than 1,000 spectators.

Cllr Jo Gideon, council cabinet member for Safer Neighbourhoods, health and communities, said: “This event proves Margate can host a world class sporting event, it would be great to make this a permanent feature.”