BARLICK Beach is back again for a 13th summer to bring a sunny outlook to the children of Barnoldswick throughout August, whatever the weather.

Hundreds of young Barlickers and friends have already turned out to enjoy donkey rides, story-telling, crafts and other activities, as well as all the fun of the seaside – but under cover – specially brought in by the town council. A weighty 20 tonnes of sand as well as beach toys are under cover in the specially-erected marquee in the town square.

Cllr Chris Church, council chair, said: “So many families will not be going away this year, and many more children will be stuck indoors unable to play out because of all this miserable weather. Or it’s just somewhere for the young ones to have fun while the grown-ups make use of the tables and chairs that are out every dry day.”

The beach is free for any accompanied children, whether they are locals or visitors. Indeed, it has already attracted visitors from across the country, and from Europe, with the first families stepping foot on the sand this year from Brighton and Berlin.

Barlick Beach is open daily until August 25, with a programme of themed events each week.