A HOST of local youngsters set the standard at the Sandbanks Volleyball Festival at the weekend by becoming British champions.

The region’s boys dominated proceedings on Sandbanks Beach in Wessex Volleyball Club’s annual showpiece event, which also hosted the British Junior Championships.

Ringwood’s Niko Gleed teamed up with Iraj Safaee to win the under-12 boys’ crown, while Ed Van Wingerden of Highcliffe took the under-14 title alongside Alfie Constable.

Joel Roberts, who hails from Christchurch, won the under-16 section with partner Richard James, while Harry Jones (Corfe Mullen) and Tom Allen (Bere Regis) took second spot.

Sam Allen enjoyed success in the under-18s, but was denied the British title because he competed alongside Greek youngster Daniel Genof. Sam Walrond from Poole and Ben Thomas of Bournemouth finished third overall and second in the UK standings.

Poole’s Matt Hunter teamed up with Ryan Stout from Weymouth to taste victory in the under-20 class ahead of another Poole youngster Aaron Walrond with Sam Allen featuring again.

There were fewer local accolades in the girls’ competitions with Paige Nelmes, the 19-year-old Poole prodigy who is on a volleyball scholarship in Canada, winning the under-20 title. Charlie Chester and Megan Davies finished third overall and runners-up in the under-18 British Championship, while Bournemouth’s Yana Judson claimed second place alongside Issy Wedderburn in the under-12s.

Meanwhile, Wessex VC chairman Geoff Allen hailed the event as a success and praised the volunteers that helped throughout the weekend.

“When the weather is so good, everyone enjoys their beach volleyball,” said Allen.

“There is a lot of planning and hard work that goes into making an event like Sandbanks run smoothly and a massive thank you is due to the group of Wessex parents who gave their time so freely.”