Sand sculptor Luc Valvona sat on his sofa creation with Rachid Ezzitouni, six, and his sister Anissa, three, from Barking

Youngsters frolicked in the sand and an artist created a very comfy looking sculpture as Barking’s Beach 2012 opened for the summer.

The big sand pit in Barking Town Square opened to the public yesterday and will offer a packed programme of activities until it closes on September 2.

As well as play time sessions, there will be beach parties, Olympic and Paralympic sports, sand sculptures, sand castle competitions and music and entertainment.

The Street Youth Bus is there every weekday between 11am and 1pm and will host a themed beach party every Saturday.

On its first day youngsters had fun playing in the sand and sand sculptor Luc Valvona made a very authentic looking sofa.

Mayor of Barking and Dagenham, Tony Ramsay, who officially opened the beach said: “Beach 2012 is guaranteed to provide lots of fun and entertainment to all the family and has already proven to be popular today.”

The beach is open from 10am to 4pm. For more information and full event details visit www.lbbd.gov.uk/beach2012

It is possible for local groups and businesses to book evening sessions. Call 020 8227 2221 (line open Monday to Friday between 10am and 4pm.)