The Times will be giving away family entry passes including free unlimited fairground rides to London’s biggest ‘urban beach’.

Ham & High: The urban beachThe urban beach (Image: Archant)

Work began on Saturday to transform the esplanade in front of shopping mall into an outdoor pleasure beach featuring sand, sea and traditional fair ground rides from 10 July throughout the summer holidays.

Fairground company the Manning’s Organisation is hard at work building a giant paddling pool and an outdoor beach complete with 250 tonnes of sand, 100 palm tress and oversized deckchairs as well as a 60 ft rollercoaster to give shoppers a taste of the seaside.

Ray Smith, manager at the Manning’s Organisation, said: “There’s a lot of work to do and this is the first time we have run an urban beach through the middle of a big city.

“You can come and paddle or swim in the paddling pool or walk and play on the beach-what’s really nice is that people can come to the beach without leaving Brent.

Ham & High: You can enjoy a Punch and Judy show at the beachYou can enjoy a Punch and Judy show at the beach (Image: Archant)

“There’s already a lot of interest. We have a support group for autistic children in Enfield who are bringing their kids for a special session to have an experience of the beach because a journey to the seaside would take too long.”

Entertainment at the at the attraction, which costs £3 to enter and runs until September 2, will include one of the last remaining Helter Skelter rides in the UK, a traditional Punch and Judy show and a carousel.

After a dip in the “sea” visitors can have a taste of traditional seaside refreshments including ice cream and fish and chips as well as a tiki-style Pimms bar.

Tom Nathan, General Manager at Brent Cross Shopping Centre said, “I’m extremely excited to be hosting London’s biggest urban beach at Brent Cross. It’s the perfect summer day out, with something to keep all of the family entertained.

From July 10, the Times readers will be able to enter our weekly contests to win free entry for four people to the beach as well as free unlimited access to the fairground attractions on offer including a helter skelter, a log flume and the roller coaster.

To be in with a chance of winning the first batch of tickets for this fantastic family day out, email times.series@archant.co.uk with the answer to the following question:

What bird is famous for attacking tourists at the seaside in Brighton?

Please title your email ‘Urban beach competiton’ and include your name, address and contact number.

One entry per household, per week.