Media Release

Sandworld wins Bronze in Dorset Tourism Awards 2013

25 October 2013: Weymouth visitor attraction "Sandworld" was delighted to win a Bronze Award from the Dorset Tourism Awards in the fiercely contested Best Visitor Attraction category. The Sandworld team collected the Award at the prestigious ceremony held last night (24 Oct) at Bovington Tank Museum, and attended by many prominent tourism businesses from Dorset.

Sandworld opened in 2011, and is run by Weymouth "Sandman" Mark Anderson and fellow Yeovil based sand sculptor David Hicks. The unique attraction beat off stiffcompetition from other major contenders to win the Bronze Award.

The judges said, "A small attraction with world standard exhibits." Mark "Sandman" Anderson commented, "I took over the Weymouth sea front exhibition from my tutor and grandfather, Fred Darrington, and it is fantastic that 90 years later his vision continues to enchant visitors with amazing sand creations. "

Co founder David Hicks explains, "Sandworld at Lodmoor Country Park has only been operating for three years and was born out of our aim to bring the best sand artists from around the world to Weymouth. It has already brought hoards of visitors through its doors because it is unusual, exciting and maintained to such a high standard that people come again and again."

Business owner Mark Anderson said, "We are delighted and honoured to win this award, especially in such exalted company, and regard it as a huge endorsement of all our hard work over the past three years."

Sandworld will reopen in Easter 2014 with a new collection of sand sculptures created by international artists. Price for a Family Ticket comprising two adults and up to three children is £18. Check out:www.sandworld.co.ukfor more details and follow us on Twitter: @Sandworld1 .

Picture Captions:The Sandworld team celebrates at Bovington Tank Museum, the venue for last night's announcement of the Dorset Tourism Awards

Brownies, from West Moors in Dorset with Brown Owl Rachel Henley and helpers celebrate a winning attraction!

Further details from Mark Anderson/David Hicks M/: 07411 387529 or E/:hello@Sandworld.co.uk

High res images available from: Jane Adkins, A Head for PR Ltd, T/: 01935 813114; M/: 07960698089 or E/:jane@aheadforpr.co.uk

Notes to Editors:

• There are 2000 tonnes of Weymouth beach sand at Sandworld.

• Sculptures take between five days and three weeks to complete depending on the level of detail and complexity.

• A sand sculpture is a construction made only of sand and water. It could be a sand castle, but it could also be a composition of other architectural forms, anatomical figures (people or animals) and objects.

• Using the right sand and the right techniques, nearly any shape can be created in sand. Sand sculpture is an art form which was already used by the Egyptians in 4000 BC.

• Weymouth sand is ideal because to create these large, beautiful sculptures the sand grains need to have a slight angle to them. Only sand and water are used to create the sculptures.

• Sculptures are incredibly resistant to the elements. Rain will be absorbed into the sand sculpture and then evaporate; however, heavy, horizontal rain will damage the shape. Because the sand is so well compressed, wind and storms will not grab hold of the sculpture and they can withstand a Force 7 wind.

• To preserve the shape and integrity of the sculptures, a light PVA solution is sprayed over the completed surface.

October 2013 (Sandworld 01)