Resort giant Butlins has put up a bumper £25,000 jackpot prize for the winner of this year's world-famous Bognor Birdman rally.

The cash will be awarded to the competitor who flies 100m or more off the end of Bognor Regis Pier before plunging into the sea. Bognor has hosted the birdman event since the 1970s and this year's eccentric extravaganza will take place on Sunday, September 3.

Organisers hope to attract competitors from all over the globe for the event, which attracts tens of thousands of spectators.

John Stride, chairman of the Birdman Steering Group, said: "The 2000 International Birdman will be very special. "We would like to forge links with other countries to make this a showcase for international events."

One early entrant is Dick Chitolie, from London, who is building his craft on holiday in St Lucia and shipping it back to Britain. Most people just take part for the fun of it, dressed as Biggles or Batman. One competitor even jumped in the nude.

Entry forms can be obtained from Stephanie Smith, Arun Council, Maltravers Road, Littlehampton, West Sussex, BN17 5LF.

Converted for the new archive on 30 June 2000. Some images and formatting may have been lost in the conversion.