AN initiative to encourage more sports on the beach at Boscombe has taken off in the past few weeks.

The eight-week touch rugby programme, aimed to re-engage former players and reach out to a new audience, has been a runaway success as the sessions reach the halfway point.

Set-up by Bournemouth Seafront officers and run by Oakmedians Rugby Football Club’s touch section, the sessions take place on a Wednesday evening from 7pm until 8.30pm.

They are designed for novices and former players, both male and female, with coaching to cover all basis of touch – which is rugby without the pain of full contact.

It is appropriate for total beginners including anyone who has ever played netball, basketball, volleyball, hockey and rounders.

Touch coach, Jason Cunningham said: “It’s been fantastic. It’s going really well.

“The first week there were over 50 people playing on the beach – a mix of teams and a few individuals.

“The following week there was 65 people and then this week we have over 85 people.

“There is a real variety of people aged from 22-42 and it’s lovely to see people coming together to enjoy the sport.

“Everyone is trying something new and learning new skills and embracing touch.

“It’s a very successful event and it’s a great practice run for next year.

“We’re really, really pleased and it’s only going to get bigger and better every week.”

He added: “I can see that certainly for the next three or four years, we will be playing touch on the beach.

“People who have attended are actually saying, we love this, where else can we play?

“The beach is a great place to be. It’s a beautiful spot.”