SUMMER has arrived in Yate with the opening of the town’s own beach.

The huge sandpit has been erected in Yate Shopping Centre’s central square outside Boswell’s cafe.

It opened on Bank Holiday Monday and the free attraction will be open for use for 13 weeks until September 1.

Centre marketing manager Tracy King said the beach had proved so popular in previous years, it will remain in the shopping centre for even longer this summer.

She added: “The beach is without question the most popular of all our centre events.

“This year we have decided to make it an almost permanent summer fixture, giving people the opportunity to roll up their sleeves and make the most of the summer months.”