Strong winds dash birdmen's hopes

The annual event attracted around 5,000 spectators

Participants in the annual Bird Man of Bognor competition found themselves being blown backwards by strong winds as they jumped off the resort's pier on Sunday.

The annual event attracted around 5,000 spectators from around the country - as well as gusts of up to 14 knots.

A £25,000 jackpot offered by holiday centre Butlins for the furthest flight of more than 100m remained unclaimed.

And David Bradshaw's 1992 record of 89.2m of flight was unbeaten.

Achieving 100m is possible - but it all depends on the wind strength and direction

Contestant, David Bradshaw

The 29-year-old, of Bognor, West Sussex, who holds a hang gliding pilot's licence said: "The wind was a bit strong today.

"Achieving 100m is possible - but it all depends on the wind strength and direction.

"Sooner or later, someone will do it, and I do hope it is me."

The first contestant, dressed as a crustacean, was very quickly followed by a 38-year-old social worker who went 5.49m wearing a Mary Poppins outfit.

Paul Burrows said: "It is scary, very scary, very scary indeed.

It's particularly scary when you're dressed as Mary Poppins and all you have to hang on to is an umbrella

Contestant, Paul Burrows

"I'm frightened of heights and so jumping off the end of a pier is quite something.

"It's particularly scary when you're dressed as Mary Poppins and all you have to hang on to is an umbrella."

Jumping in aid of the charity for children with speech and language impairments, Afasic Hampshire, Mr Burrows later became the only person to enter all three categories of the competition.

Flying machines

He had spent two months building a sandwich-board flying machine for the Leonardo de Vinci category, three weeks building a hang glider for the Magnificent Flight section and a week finding his Mary Poppins outfit.

Mr Burrows, of Bedhampton, Hampshire, added: "No one has ever done all three categories before, I suppose no one has ever been stupid enough - but it is all for charity."

Four-times winner Ron Freeman, of Northumberland, improved on last year's 25.98m by covering 52.6m.

You have to be careful, as in these conditions you could be knocked into the pier and knocked unconscious

Contestant, Ron Freeman

But the 45-year-old hang gliding instructor revealed he was still obsessed with reaching the 100m mark.

He said: "My best record is 71m.

"I have 26 years experience and over 4,000 flying hours."

But Mr Freeman added: "You have to be careful, as in these conditions you could be knocked into the pier and knocked unconscious. It is a calculated risk.

"I just love the thrill of competing. It's a great event and very exhilarating flying off a pier and into the water.

Dick Chitolie took the plunge on a 10ft dragon fly

Dick Chitolie achieved 4.76m after taking the 40ft plunge on the back of Juliet - a 10ft dragon fly with a 15ft wingspan.

The 55-year-old, of Highbury, north London, has entered the contest every year since 1997, achieving his personal best of nine metres on the back of a half-ton elephant.

Mr Chitolie said: "People ask me why I do this and I just say it is something to do at the weekend."

Event spokesman John Stride said: "Every year this event drums up more and more interest from around the world.

"I think it is down to the fascination with us eccentric Brits that does it."