Beach is mere 75 miles from sea.

THE country's largest urban beach opened yesterday.

Children and their parents were finally allowed on to the beach in Nottingham, which is made up of 300 tonnes of sand and has taken a week to build.

There is also a giant paddling pool where youngsters can cool off, although it was only 21C (70F) in the city's Old Market Square yesterday.

A helter skelter has been set up and there will be traditional seaside activities on offer, including Punch and Judy shows.

Skegness is the nearest seaside resort but that is 75 miles away and many of the visitors said they were grateful to have a beach nearby during the six-week school holidays.

Dozens of deckchairs have also been laid out, ideal for grandparents on childcare duty.

While the pounds 200,000 Nottingham Riviera, as it has been dubbed, may not have the glamour of the Paris Plage, it seems just as popular with shoppers and commuters.

Wendy Shelton, 45, from Nottingham, said: "It's absolutely brilliant. Some children haven't seen the seaside so now they will be able to come and play here.

"All we need now is some sunshine."

Grandmother Janice Goode, 67, added: "It's really good. It brings the city to the people more and I am sure there will be a nice atmosphere down here."