Organisers of a beach contest hope to consign sandcastles to the history books with a giant exhibition of alternative sand creations.

Sculptors plan to put on the show at East Head, West Wittering, near Chichester.

In previous events, artists have been known to build an array of displays, including one which resembled a mouse eating a giant lump of cheese.

The Sand Art competition has been organised by the Pallant House Gallery in Chichester.

The event will allow children with buckets and spades to compete against more experienced sculptors.

There are a variety of categories to enter and entrants have three hours to come up with a masterpiece before the tide comes in.

Marc Steene, the gallery's outreach officer, said: "Last year was a great success with the artists really surpassing themselves. I can't wait to see what they will make this year."

The event will take place on Saturday June 22.

Entries cost 50p per sculpture and registration will be from noon at the Sand Art headquarters on the beach.

Parking is nearby at West Wittering Beach and entrants are advised to bring a picnic, buckets, spades and even wheelbarrows.