FIREFIGHTER Dave Ibbertson has being crowned British champion in a new water sport.
The Darlington star has won the national kite surfing championships.
Mr Ibbertson won the title, in only his second competitive season, at Blackpool, at the weekend.
Kite surfers are towed on a small surfboard behind a kite.
Riders can reach speeds of nearly 50mph and heights of 40ft.
Competitors perform tricks and are judged on the complexity of their routine.
Mr Ibbertson said: "There are six events in the series, all over the country, and I won the final one, which made me overall number one.
"I would like to compete on the world circuit if I can get the time."
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