SANDBANKS resident Harry Redknapp was among the spectators on the opening day of the 12th annual Sandpolo – and he even had a ride on one of the horses.

The Champagne was popping and the sun was shining yesterday as the two-day event opened in style.

The festival, which stages the British Beach Polo Championship, took over a section of the coastline with hundreds of spectators enjoying all the event had to offer.

King of the jungle Mr Redknapp and fellow I’m a Celebrity... Get Me Out of Here! contestants Nick Knowles and Rita Simons watched on from the sidelines before taking up the opportunity to ride on some of the horses.

The polo action saw teams of three compete in short fast-paced matches, with crowds lining all four sides of the pitch in scorching conditions.

Richard Lovett, who lives in Sandbanks, said: “I like the ambience of it and it is something different. I had only ever seen polo before and it is quite different watching it take place on the sand.”

Frank Morris, who lives in Evening Hill and was attending Sandpolo for the first time, said: “This seems like a real unique experience. There is something very quaint about it and the atmosphere is really nice.”

Kath Annear and Kirk Rose came to the festival from Cornwall and are avid polo followers.“It is different to the beach polo in Cornwall with a smaller pitch but it seems great,” said Kath.

The festival is set to continue today, with music to follow in the evening.