It may be nine months away but the countdown has already begun to next summer’s Sandbanks spectacular beach polo.

The British Beach Polo Championships return to grace Poole’s premier beach on July 6 and 7, 2012 and the fantastic fun has a UK flavour.

For the first time England, Scotland, Ireland and Wales will go head to head in competition at the Daily Echo-backed extravaganza.

More than 10,000 people enjoyed this year’s event on the golden sands and, with world class sporting action, live music and cuisine by celebrated chef Mark Hix, the organisers are promising next year is set to be even better.

“We are thrilled to have set a date for the fifth British Beach Polo Championships,” said event organiser Johnny Wheeler.

“For the first time we have the four nations coming together to battle it out on the sand.

“Of course the teams are very determined to win so we are in for some highly-charged polo.

England captain Jack Kidd, who has played against South America and Australia at Sandbanks said: “It is a real achievement to get all four nations playing at the championships.

“Supporters will really be getting behind their team – we are in for some seriously-competitive polo.”

The fast and furious beach polo is not the only sport to show its paces on the sand.

The event is welcoming back some of the world’s best professional beach volleyball players during the two days of adrenaline-fuelled competition.

And after the sport it’s time to party with a live jazz and swing opening night followed by a ‘club’ feel on Saturday.

Tickets are now on sale through the sandpolo.com website and include everything from general day passes and beach party passes to hospitality and beach party VIP tickets.