IMAGINATION went overboard when enthusiastic competitors created sculptures from materials washed up on Eype Beach.

There were 97 group and individual entries for this year's event which restricts contestants to using only items found on the shore - flotsam and jetsam, along with the pebbles and rocks.

Amongst some weird and wonderful creations were two Daleks, a miniature pebble village and a new species of dinosaur, along with many works reflecting the Jurassic Coast theme.

Lindsay Brooks, director of Bridport Arts Centre which organises the annual event, said they were delighted with the turnout - even more than last year's bumper entry.

She said: "As an arts centre we like to encourage creativity across lots of different art forms and this is a very simple idea that works well and gets everyone thinking visually, as well as giving them a focus to their day on the beach.

"We had lots of people say they had organised their holiday around it so it has become an annual institution."

First prize went to the Taylor family for their dinosaur made from pebbles and general beach debris. Judge Marcus Dixon, organiser of the Lyme Fossil Festival, congratulated them on finding a completely new species.

Runner up was Steve Ward for his octopus made from old yellow rope while third prize went to Freddie Proctor from Sidmouth for his miniature "lost world" village made from pebbles.

Completing the judging team were Nikki and Richard Cooper, owners of the Bull Hotel in Bridport.