A popular birdman competition has been cancelled for the first time in its history.

Madcap aviators in their strange contraptions were due to leap from a 40ft ramp on Eastbourne Pier in a bid to win £1,000 prize money by flying the furthest.

But organisers have cancelled the 12th contest, scheduled for August 7, after entries failed to reach a high enough level.

Although not as well established as the similar Bognor event, the Eastbourne Birdman contest has drawn entrants from across the world.

Eastbourne Pier manager Graeme Sanderson said: "There were not enough entries this year to warrant staging the event and we feel Birdman, in its present form, needs to be replanned for the future.

"We intend to restage Birdman, bigger and better, next year - possibly as part of the Airbourne airshow and will be looking for a major sponsor to support the event."

Mr Sanderson revealed Birdman could involve other attractions, including water sports, next year.

The contest has its origins in Eastbourne's four-day Airbourne show but was made into a separate event a few years ago and visitor numbers have dwindled.

Mike Reid, director and past president of Eastbourne Chamber of Commerce, was the measurer of competitors' distances until three years ago.

He said: "When Eastbourne Birdman was part of Airbourne, the pier, promenade and beaches were totally swamped with people and you literally couldn't move. Now we only get a tenth of the crowd because people aren't in town or expecting the contest.

"It's a shame the contest has been cancelled this year but everybody will welcome it being integrated back into Airbourne."

Eastbourne MP Nigel Waterson has been a judge at the event in previous years.

He said: "It's one of those zany, English seaside events the British appreciate. People always enjoy watching eccentrics jumping into cold water. Long may it continue.

"The distances flown are usually pitiful and it's more about the costumes people wear. I'm very disappointed it will not happen this year but I'm delighted it will start again next year."

This year's Airbourne, hailed as the biggest airshow on the South Coast, will still take place from August 11 to 14.

Meanwhile, the Bognor Birdman will take to the skies on August 20 and 21.

When Arun District Council withdrew its support of the event, local supporters and businessmen formed the non profit-making International Bognor Birdman Ltd to safeguard the competition's future.

Flying on Saturday allows serious aviators to compete for pole position for the Sunday final. There is a £25,000 prize for anyone who manages to travel 100 metres.

Entrants come from all over the world.