Local Piper Gets Sandy!

The local residents of Biddick, Washington Tyne and Wear were pleased to welcome the Mayor of Sunderland, Cllr Alan Emmerson.

Cllr Emmerson was on hand to be the star judge at the annual Biddick sand sculpture competition. Which saw a record number of entries this year making the choice most difficult for the Mayor.

As always the event attracted lots of diverse characters and designs. Ranging from a man dressed as a 9ft shrimp making a very complicated sculpture, to a young boy and his Grandfather just hoping to enjoy the experience together.

After hours of deliberation and making tough choices. Cllr Emmerson managed to whittle it down to the final 3 competitors.

Until after many more hours he finally settled on local pied piper enthusiast Richard "Dick" Piper, 38.

"I'm very honoured to receive such a lovely award and finally be recognised for my long-standing passion for sand art."

As part of his prize, Mr Piper will see his award-winning sculpture made into glass and displayed with pride in Sunderland's very own Glass Museum.