AROUND 10,000 spectators packed out Sandbanks beach in Poole over two days to marvel at the cream of English and Australian horsemanship.

An Aussie side took on England’s finest as part of the Daily Echo-backed fourth British Beach Polo Championships.

The two-day event, running Friday and Saturday, also boasted two beach volley ball matches between South Africa and England and a host of other attractions.

And as the sun went down on both days the competitors and paying spectators partied into the night in style.

Event organiser Johnny Wheeler, of Sandpolo, told the Daily Echo: “The event has been a real excuse for people to get out, have a good time and dress up for an occasion.”

Over the course of the two days’ play, which finished honours even with Australia and England both winning one game, thousands of people watched the action from the beach’s free viewing area.

Johnny said: “More than ever we have seen an appetite for something a little bit special, and on the other hand we’ve had people with the proverbial knotted hankie on their heads, watching from the beach – so it is a bit of fun for everybody.

“We are trying to show people polo is not an elitist sport, it is a great sport played by a huge variety of people with one thing in common – a passion for horses.

“We cannot all afford to have a go in a formula one racing car but we go and watch it, and that is similar to polo. Not everyone can afford to play it to a high standard, but that shouldn’t stop people from going along and watching it.”

Other attractions included two matches between a South African and an English beach volleyball side. This also finished 1-1.

“Very rarely do you see such a large audience watching beach volleyball,” said Johnny. “But the grandstands were pretty full for the international.”

Johnny, who thanked everyone involved in the spectacle, will now continue preparations for the 2012 event.