HUNDREDS of visitors have turned out for the first few days of Barnoldswick Beach.

Twenty thousand tonnes of sand have transformed Barnoldswick town square into a sandy cove with lots of free seaside activities on offer.

Although Barnoldswick is far from the sea, the inland beach offers children a chance to play in the sand and get involved with hands on craft activities on a daily basis.

Donkey rides are available every Thursday and on the beach's final day, Saturday, August 30, and a surf simulator for both the young and the old will be featured every Wednesday

"We're not only Barnoldswick Beach, we're Barnoldswick On Sea," said town councillor David Whipp, who explained beach organisers are teaming up with West Craven Sports Centre to give beach-goers a chance to take the plunge at the pool, with lots of special offers and prizes, including 10-week Duckling swimming lessons and free and discounted leisure swimming.

Barnoldswick Beach is open from 10am to 4pm Monday to Saturday throughout August.