MINEHEAD found itself on an international stage when it was the venue for a top footballing challenge last weekend.
For the first time England was chosen to host a stage of the Beach Soccer World Wide Euroleague - the premier beach soccer tournament - and the town's Butlins holiday centre provided the 2,000 seat purpose-built stadium for the event.
Three days of matches saw seven top teams - including England and Germany - battle it out on the sand.
Portugal emerged as champions after defeating France 6-2 in the last game and are now one of the favourites for the super-final being held in Portugal in August.
France's manager and former Manchester United star Eric Cantona had little to smile about after also losing to Norway - his team finished bottom of Division A at the tournament with three points, equal with Switzerland and Norway but with an inferior goal difference.
England, who are sponsored by Butlins, finished second in Division B, also with three points, trailing Azerbaijan in top place with six points but above Germany who ended the contest with no points.
Despite last weekend's rain and less than summery weather, the crowds turned out to watch the top national teams compete in the barefoot challenge, bring a welcome boost to Minehead's tourist season.
Photos: Steve Guscott