A LANDLOCKED town 70 miles from the sea has created its own beach to make sure residents do not miss out on summer at the seaside.

Henshaws Arts and Crafts Centre in Knaresborough, which provides training for people with disabilities, has transformed its walled garden with 40 tonnes of sand, a giant palm tree, and a beach shop as part of a festival of entertainment and visual arts.

The event will run for ten days from Friday. The aim was to create an urban beach to encourage local people to visit the centre. Entry is free and there is a chance to pull up a deckchair and take part in family friendly fun.

Arts and crafts centre manager Maria Dawbarn said: “We’re very excited as the beach is a great chance to welcome visitors in and to showcase the wonderful work that we do here at the arts and crafts centre.’’

Activities include clay modelling, face-painting, art sessions and sand sculpture. There are also fitness sessions on the sand, traditional beach entertainment with Punch and Judy and donkey rides and a programme of evening entertainment. Go to henshaws.org.uk/events/1008/feva-festival/