AN inland beach which has attracted around 10,000 people has been hailed a huge success.

The beach which was under a marquee in Barnoldswick town centre and run entirely by volunteers, was held throughout August.

Organisers say that that it was the most successful to date, since it was first set up as an annual attraction five years ago.

The beach featured two large sandpits complete with buckets, spades and toys as well as different daily activities including arts and crafts, face painting, a disco, a surf simulator, donkey rides and sand castle building competitions.

This year the event has also had a weekly duck race held in nearby Valley Gardens each Saturday, dance lessons and treasure hunts around the town square.

The beach was free to attend but donations were taken for the Yorkshire Air Ambulance and the North West Air Ambulance, which are estimated to have totalled around £2,000.

Councillor and Barnoldswick beach lifeguard, David Whipp said: “It has been another very successful year for Barnoldswick beach.

“We have had the most visitors to date, with people coming from as far as Preston, Halifax and Leeds.

“The beach is paid for by Barnoldswick Town Council but it would not be possible without the volunteers. I cannot thank them enough, they have all been fantastic.

“We have had so many comments from people coming to visit about what a great day out it is. It is quality free family entertainment and we don’t know of anywhere else that has anything quite like it.

“It has also brought a lot of people into the town that have seen what a fantastic array of independent shops we have to offer.”

This year the beach teamed up with up with Barnoldswick's West Craven Sports Centre to create 'Barnoldswick On Sea' and give beach goers vouchers for half price family swims, special offers and prizes.