One of the most eccentric events in Sussex is being thrown a lifeline.

The fate of the annual Bognor Birdman competition is hanging in the balance because of financial problems.

The rally, which attracts tens of thousands of spectators, has been going for 26 years. People descend on the town with weird and wacky costumes and plane designs to fling themselves off the pier in an attempt to fly.

Last month's event, which only took place after Arun District Council put in £20,000 at the last minute, looked like it could be the last until Bognor-based firm SDS Consulting Ltd came forward.

The company wants to breathe new life into the event and is looking at a £40,000 sponsorship package which may even rise to £100,000.

It is planning a meeting with council officers to see if a deal can be worked out.

The company's operations manager, Jason Gibbons, said: "We would like to see it turned into a two-day event with other attractions brought in.

"It could be parachute jumps, attempts to break other wacky world records, a huge fireworks display, anything.

"I was brought up in Bognor and so was the company's managing director. We want to be able to do something for our home town.

"We have a lot of experience in putting on major events and think we can really add something to the Birdman."

The rally was almost cancelled last year until Virgin boss Sir Richard Branson stepped in to save the event.