BATMAN, a guardian angel and the green Power Ranger were among scores of competitors who threw themselves off a pier at the International Birdman competition.

The weird, wacky and wonderful descended on Worthing at the weekend for the popular annual event.

But as well as the fun flyers there were also serious competitors bidding for the top prize.

That went to Tony Hughes, from Marlborough, in Wiltshire, who travelled 106.5m in 11.9 seconds on Saturday in aid of Wiltshire Air Ambulance.

Mr Hughes, who was flying in the Condor class for modified hang gliders or similar craft with a wing span of less than 35ft, was billed as one of the favourites after exceeding 100m at last year’s event.

Last year’s winner, Ron Freeman, finished further down the pecking order after only mustering 59.9m. He travelled 100m further last year.

Thousands saw the heavyweights of Birdman face off as as the sun shone on the event.

And while the serious competitors battled it out for glory and prize money, fun flyers got creative with a range of eye-catching costumes.

In the Kingfisher class, competitors were judged on the entertainment value of their flight.

The Always With a Smile Charity won and was awarded £500 for their flying pigs costume.

There was also entertainment on dry land with an extreme jet ski display team and steel band.

Tim Stanley, 26, from Worthing, watched proceedings unfold on Saturday with his six-year-old son Jaydon.

He said: “We went on Saturday and It was a really good day out. As ever it ran well and the weather was great.

“Like the adults, Jaydon had lots of fun watching people launch themselves off the pier and there was loads of decent food and stalls on the seafront. We were also treated to a fly-by from the Vulcan bomber as it made its way to Eastbourne for the air show. It’s been a good weekend.”

The event provides a huge economical boost for the town with hotels and restaurants booked out across the weekend.

Fore more details about next year and how you can get involved visit: worthingbirdman.co.uk.