AROUND 160 netball players will take to the sands of Bournemouth next month while raising money for charity.

Beach Netball UK returns for its third year on Saturday, June 29, and will see 16 teams from across the UK compete next to Boscombe Pier.

The free event promises to be fun for all the family with a BBQ alongside Urban Reef restaurant, massages from Active Therapy South with an after-party taking place at Canvas on Bournemouth’s Poole Hill.

Since it first launched in June 2016, the event has grown in popularity with team places this year selling out within just one week.

Beach Netball is already played in Australia and Hong Kong and organisers were keen to bring the unique event to Dorset.

Previous events have attracted around 160 players and more than 300 supporters and has helped raise money and awareness for charity.

The 2016 and 2017 events partnered with Dorset Cancer Care Foundation, a charity that provides support for cancer sufferers and their families.

This year’s event has partnered with Julia’s House children’s hospice.

Chantelle Shave, community fundraiser for Julia’s House, said: “We are delighted to be supported by such a fantastic national event. Only five per cent of our funding comes from the NHS, so we rely on the support of events like this and the generosity of the community to run our free service for the families that need us.

“We are really looking forward to attending the event to watch some great beach netball and to join in the fun. Our sincere thanks to the organisers of Beach Netball for choosing to support Julia’s House this year.”

For more details visit beachnetball.co.uk.