Denise is queen of the beach

DENISE AUSTIN was crowned queen of the Croyde Beachfest volleyball tournament.

Despite working hard to help organise the event, Croyde's Austin still had enough energy to win.

The former UK number one women's beach volleyball player showed she hasn't lost her touch by beating off competition from around the world.

The tournament, part of the English Volleyball Association Beachfest tour, attracted players from as far away as Brazil and Australia. There were 160 players, ranging from the top of the EVA rankings to local league players entering for fun.

King of the beach was South African Richard Payne who battled past previous winner Steve Fee and Australian Ryan Turner. Payne has played at Croyde before, but this was his first win.

Croyde Beachfest — women — Division 1: Denise Austin beat Gabriela Medricka. Division 2: Gosia Krzyszkovska. Division 3: Ann Meier. Division 4: Claudia Stich.

Men — Division 1: Richard Payne beat Ryan Turner. Division 2: Lee Virrill. Division 3: Jack Willis. Division 4: Scott Muir. Division 5: Bart Sowula.