Two British pairs in action at beach volleyball World Champs

GREAT Britain have two female pairs set to get their beach volleyball World Championships up and running for the first time in Stavanger, Norway.

LIFE'S A BEACH: Lucy Boulton (left) and Denise Johns (right) on the opposing side of the net outside the Horse Guards Parade, but will team up at World Champs

Lucy Boulton and Denise Johns open their account on Friday, when they face Brazilian fifth seeds

The pair, wildcards at the event in Norway, face Brazilian fifth seeds Ana Paula Connelly and Shelda Bede.

Joining them in GB colours will be Zara Dampney and Shauna Mullin, who open against the USA's Nicole Branagh and Elaine Youngs - seeded fourth.

"The World Championships, along with the Olympic Games, are the pinnacle of an athletes' career," said Great Britain head coach Matt Grinlaubs.

"For these athletes to compete in such an event at this stage of their careers is an outstanding achievement that cannot be overstated."

Mo Glover, now a coach at the University of Bath, and Audrey Cooper, GB indoor volleyball women's head coach, were the last Brits to compete at a Beach Volleyball World Championships in 1999, finishing ninth.

Boulton and Johns are ranked 44th out of the 48 team in action, while Dampney and Mullin are one spot behind in 45th.