Around 250 kids took part in the sandcastle-building competition, held on Playa Puerta del Mar in Almuñécar. Thanks to the influx of visitors, the competitors ranged from one side of the country to the other.

The ‘Sand Architects’ produced everything from the up-turned-bucket-load tower, to a replica of the Castillo de San Miguel, complete with the Peñón!

Obviously, ages amongst the ‘beach builders’ varied, so they were split into age groups and singles and pairs. Only the 12-year-old that arrived with his dad’s JCB towing a cement mixer was disqualified… Nah! He was allowed to compete as he was a councillor’s nephew… Just joking!

Each competitor was allotted his patch by the judges, to prevent any sandcastle wars and land grabs. Even the local firemen were drafted in to wet down the sand with their hoses for better adherence quality. No amount of pleading from them to be able to wipe out all the sandcastles with a hose-supplied tsunami was accepted, however. Yes, we’re joking again.

Whilst the judges were deliberating, everybody had the chance to indulge in a foam party.

Finally, Mikel Goñi (10) with a pretty robust 4-tower castle with plenty of stones added, took the first prize in his category.

Every competitor also received a medal, ice cream, a soft drink… and a free entrance ticket for Aquatropic, whilst the 1st, 2nd and 3rd-place winners also received a trophy.

This sandcastle competition has been held every year, by the way, for the last two decades.

(News: Almunecar, Costa Tropical, Granada, Andalucia)