Sandcastle marks Olympic countdown

A giant sandcastle has been built on Weymouth beach to mark 100 days to the start of the London 2012 Olympic Games.

The sandcastle, which measures four metres by two metres, took four days to build.

Images of the sandcastle and Weymouth's famous beach are being sent around the globe with the message that Weymouth and Portland - hosts of the 2012 sailing events - are ready to welcome the world.

The beach was chosen as the location for the 100 days to go countdown because during the Olympic Games it will be where visitors come to enjoy sport, festivals, new attractions and a host of free events.

The sands will be transformed into Weymouth & Portland Live, where up to 15,000 visitors a day will enjoy the Games' sailing and other sporting events for free.

The giant sandcastle was built during the Easter holidays and attracted the attention of many children.

Gracie Tourgout, aged five, said: "It is huge. I can't believe it is so big. It is making me really excited about the Olympic Games and I love the flags."

Simon Williams, head of Weymouth and Portland 2012 operations, said: "Excitement here is mounting as in just 100 days our golden sands will welcome visitors from across the globe to enjoy the greatest show on earth.

"We built the castle to highlight that we are offering a once-in-a-lifetime chance to experience the London 2012 Games by the sea.

"There are so many events, attractions and festivals on that there will be something for everyone to enjoy.

"Our sandcastle is a lot of fun and it has been beamed around the world to show people what a fabulous place Weymouth, Portland and Dorset's World Heritage Jurassic Coast is."