CROWDS enjoying the sunny weather at Boscombe yesterday were amazed to see Radio2 DJ Chris Evans playing volleyball on the beach.

Since replacing veteran Terry Wogan on the popular show, Chris has gone out of his way to prove himself as a worthy successor.

And recent shows have seen him accept a number of sporting challenges, including playing darts against Bobby George and golf with Bernard Gallacher.

He threw himself into the latest challenge, playing against his sports editor Jonny Saunders in training sessions organised by GB coach and former Australian Olympic player Matt Grinlaubs.

Chris joked that it has been “hell” and said: “It’s so nice; I’ve never been to Boscombe before and it’s so lovely. It’s so busy, everyone’s having a nice time, the only downside about coming today is we have to go. I said to the team: ‘Can’t we just stay? We’ll get up early and go tomorrow’ and they’re not having any of it. I’ve just been in the sea and I’m happy to stay!”

After learning the ropes, Chris played a couple of games before chatting with beachgoers, signing autographs and posing for pictures.

Volleyball is a growing sport on Bournemouth’s beaches and Dorset players Zara Dampney and Greg Weaver are in the GB Squad.

The event was filmed for the programme’s website as part of the series and the challenge results will be announced on Chris’s Friday morning show.