FLYING instructor Tony Hughes will be taking to the air in an international birdman competition this summer.
Mr Hughes, who is in his forties, will be flinging himself off Bognor pier in an attempt to win £25,000 prize money. The Arun International Bognor Birdman contest 2004 will be held on July 4.
Competitors include 37 men and women from across the globe. The line-up include a member of NASA, TV personalities and five-time winner Ron Freeman.
Mr Hughes, who is a former European hang-gliding champion, teaches flying lessons at the microlight centre in Yatesbury.
"I will be raising money for charity but I do intend to glide as far as I can off the pier. I went to see it for the first time last year and I was quite amazed by it,'' he said.
He will be raising money for the Whale and Dolphin Conservation Society. He is constructing a specially adapted glider and is building up his upper leg strength so he can perform a speedy takeoff.
Contenders have to fly more than 100 metres to win the jackpot. "I will have a number of supporters on the day including some of my students. It should be a great day,'' said Mr Hughes.
Comments: Our rules
We want our comments to be a lively and valuable part of our community - a place where readers can debate and engage with the most important local issues. The ability to comment on our stories is a privilege, not a right, however, and that privilege may be withdrawn if it is abused or misused.
Please report any comments that break our rules.
Read the rules hereComments are closed on this article