CHUKKAS away! The 2010 British Beach Polo Championships have officially been launched on the stunning beach at Sandbanks.

Polo ponies racing along the sand under blue skies yesterday offered a tantalising taste of what’s to come – but this year they were joined for the first time by camels, which will be adding a new flavour to the event in its third year.

Organiser Johnny Wheeler said he was “delighted to be back” and hoped this year’s beach polo, from Friday July 9 to Saturday July 10, will be “bigger and better than ever,” drawing in fans, celebrities and residents alike.

As well as two days of quality competitive matches featuring some of the worlds top players, there will be a feast of additional experiences, including camel polo, have-a-go polo for those who have never played before, a charity race between a Mercedes and a pony and beach volleyball.

And following the action-packed days will come fun-filled nights, with Sandbanks Rocks on Friday – the first live music event for the beach polo – and a glamorous beach party, hosted by Jade Jagger to round things off on Saturday.

“We’re really trying to make this an event that will be fun for people of all ages and interests without compromising on quality and class,” added Johnny.

Polo star Jamie Morrison, of team England, will be back, and is already looking forward to it.

“It’s an ideal venue,” he said. “The locals seem to support it an enjoy it, and you’ve got the glamour of Sandbanks. It all works well to make it a fun event.”

Joseph’s Amazing Camels will be providing four especially trained camels for the polo players to ride in a special showcase match.

Professional Matias Ballesteros took one for a spin at the launch event – only his second time on a camel. “They’re lovely animals,” he said. “It’s a different type of riding, but great fun.”

Confirmed sponsors for the Daily Echo-backed British Beach Polo include Mercedes, Lloyds Property, Priva, Pommery and Camino Polo, and Hotel Du Vin are on board providing increased hospitality.

Part of the money raised will go to the RNLI, Julia’s House, and the Heaton-Ellis Trust for Motor Neurone Disease, in memory of event co-founder David Heaton-Eliss.