A former world hang-gliding champion yesterday soared to yet another International Bognor Birdman title as thousands of sun-seekers flocked to watch one of the wackiest events in the British summer calendar.

Ron Freeman, from Newbiggin-by-the-Sea, Northumberland, glided 77.6 metres from the pier in Bognor Regis, West Sussex, to take the top spot for the seventh time since first entering the competition in 1997.

The 49-year-old, who likes to be known as the Bald Eagle, judged the changeable wind conditions perfectly to pip his rivals to the £1,000 first prize.

No contestants succeeded in gliding or flapping their way into the record books by flying 100 metres or more to claim a £25,000 jackpot.

The crowds were treated to a host of flying machines and costumes and also saw a jump by Blue Peter presenter Zoe Salmon.

She wore an ostrich costume, but lost her wings shortly before jumping.

The Kingfisher prize for the best fancy dress entry was awarded to landscape architect Ian Jackson, from Alton, Hampshire, who was dressed as Father Christmas, accompanied by inflatable reindeer.

Speaking before his jump, he said: "It is fairly likely that there will be a few children crying when they see their presents go under water, but there are a lot of presents to deliver so we have to start early."