The city’s Old Market Square has once again been transformed into a seaside resort with 360 tonnes of sand covering its slabs. Riah Matthews joined the masses to try out Costa Del Nottingham.

A QUICK glance across Market Square and you'd never guess we're one of the country's most landlocked cities.

In one direction you've got kids busily making elaborate sand castles complete with moats and, in the other, adults are casually enjoying drinks at the bamboo beach bar.

Nottingham Riviera returned yesterday and the thousands who enjoyed it last summer are urged to come back and sample this year's delights.

One of the first on the beach was Jane Shipway, 42, with son Matthew, 8, and daughter Chloe, 12. Jane said: "Last year, we really loved it and the children were looking forward to coming back."

She was joined by friend Sally Lim, 39, and her sons, Jonathan, 8, and Ben, 10, who were contemplating burying each other in the sand.

Ben said: "It's really cool. I like the pool – it's fun, but it's a bit cold today."

Jonathan added: "It would be good if they had a little heater in it for cold days."

As well as 60 more tonnes of sand than before, the Riviera boasts a paddling pool, which has been placed nearer to the fountains, so that children can have twice as much fun.

Despite the chilly, cloudy day, Eloise Elmhirst, 3, of Sherwood, was one of the first in. She looked happy enough but did say: "It's freezing cold!"

Jackie Wilson, 41, of Wollaton, was with Mathilde, 6 and Wilf, 19 months.

"They both just jumped in straight away – we weren't even planning on coming today," she said.

"Now I can't get them out!"

The Riviera was opened by the Lord Mayor of Nottingham, Councillor Brian Grocock, who praised the international media coverage the beach gained for the city last year.

After a quick walk around the sand, he enjoyed a cocktail at the beach bar, which was a hit last year.

This year, the bar is much bigger and the promenade seats up to 320 people.

Another fan of the bar was Tracey Clements, 33, of St Ann's, who was there with daughter Ruby, 3.

She said: "It's actually quite reasonable – only £1.50 for half a pint of lager. The beach is great for kids. It's like Skegness but away from Skegness – perfect if you can't afford to get away this year."

The beach has an array of rides, including the Helter Skelter, Waveswinger, Seastorm and Bumper boats.

The rides are paid for with tokens that cost 50p each. Prices vary from three tokens for the Helter Skelter to eight for the Bungee Trampoline.

Once again, despite complaints last year, packed lunches cannot be taken on to the beach and photographs are not allowed.

This year's beach is at no expense to the tax payer because it has been sponsored by Jet2.com, Jet2Holidays and Nottingham-based The Mellors Group.

To attract people in the evenings, The Mellors Group has organised regular volleyball competitions. Edward Mellors said: "The atmosphere in the evening was great last year but the beach was underused. We're hoping the volleyball competitions will really take off and people will come down and enjoy themselves in the city at night."

Nottingham Riviera continues for six weeks until Sunday, September 5. It will open daily from 10am until 11pm.

For more information, visit www.nottinghamriviera.co.uk