It may not be one of his usual duties, but after the heatwave, judging a sandcastle competition may well prove a God-send to the Bishop of Derby.

The Rt Rev Dr Alastair Redfern has agreed to judge the sandcastle-building competition at Bakewell Show on August 3rd and although there won't actually be any sea at the beach on the showground, there will be a lovely seaside atmosphere to help him keep cool in the sun.

The beach, complete with buckets and spades, deckchairs and Punch and Judy, was introduced last year and proved such a success that Show organisers have agreed to repeat it this year and have even managed to bring some donkeys along to give the children rides.

A sandcastle-building competition was the next step and the Bishop agreed to take time out from his visit to the Show to pop in and judge the children's efforts.

He said: "I am looking forward to the whole of the Bakewell Show - it's going to be a wonderful opportunity for so many people to enjoy time out, have fun and hopefully, enjoy some sunshine. I will be especially delighted to help out the sandcastle-building competition."

The competition will take place on the beach at 4pm on August 3rd with prize giving at 4.30pm.

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