ARMED with buckets, spades and shovels, competitors gathered on Gyllyngvase beach on Saturday to take part in the annual Lions Club tide race.

A total of 24 teams entered the competition in the hope of winning a prize that was provided by Gylly Beach Cafe, and of course the |chance of being crowned champion of the day.

Each team competed to build the strongest sandcastle to withstand |the incoming tide. As the tide crept |in the members of the team had |to stand on top of their castle. |Teams could be up to eight people, meaning some castles got a little cramped.

Once a team member slid off the entire team was out of the competition, with the last team left standing on their castle winning.

It was a victory for the Diglets who gained first place and £25 in prize money, followed by Digalots who achieved second place, winning |£15, and the Crabbers taking third |to win £10.

Vice president of Falmouth and Penryn Lions Club, Steve Cook, said: “There was a massive crowd – there were even people watching from as far away as the promenade.”

The event coincided with the start of Falmouth Week so there were many tourists on the beach who were curious about the activities.

Steve added: “Many tourists were coming up to us asking what was going on.”

The tide race is a day that many look forward to as the focus of the day is to make sure that everybody has fun. Steve explained: “The main reason that we do it is to provide entertainment.”

“The day went very well as far as we were concerned and it always helps when the sun is shining.”

The Lions Club is always |looking for new members and meets on the first Monday of |every month at the Boslowick |Inn from 8pm. For more |information call 08458 334801 |or email falmouthandpenrynlions|@gmail.com.

Falmouth Packet:

Falmouth Packet:

Falmouth Packet:

Falmouth Packet:

Falmouth Packet:

Falmouth Packet:

Falmouth Packet:

Falmouth Packet:

The winners, team Diglett from Falmouth