Vote for Worthing Birdman as competition bids for award

The flying event, which has been held in Worthing for the last two years, is hoping to scoop an award in the Enjoy England Awards for Excellence competition.

It will be judged by voters under a new category entitled Where Else but England, which celebrates bizzare, wacky or fun experiences that are unique to England.

The short-list of events includes Stilton cheese rolling, the MP vs media parliamentary pancake race and the world egg-throwing championships.

Sharon Clarke, Worthing's town centre manager, who organises the Birdman rally, said she was pleased the event had been chosen as a contender.

She added: "Worthing usually gets overshadowed by Brighton, so it's great to see all the hard work that's gone into raising its profile is paying off."

The Birdman rally, which takes place on August 14 and 15 this year, offers 30,000 to the human birdman who can fly the longest distance from a ramp placed on the end of Worthing Pier.

But not all competitors aim for the money prize.

One of the three categories they can enter into, named the Kingfisher class, offers rewards based on the entertainment value of the flight and therefore attracts many bizarre outfits and contraptions.

"We're currently running second in the competition," said Mrs Clarke, "so get voting, people."

Votes can be cast online at www.enjoyengland.com/whereelse

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