Paper aeroplanes will be seen soaring across St Nicholas’ Gardens this weekend in what will be a first for Whitehaven.

The town’s first paper aeroplane competition takes place on Saturday and people are being encouraged to attend.

There will be prizes for the longest flight, best design and more. Prizes have been donated by the organisers, Whitehaven Town Council, as well as sponsors, Wilkos and Airfix.

Local businessman and member of the town council’s events team, Gerard Richardson MBE, said: “The one thing guaranteed to get all my grandkids playing together are paper aeroplanes. We have great fun and we want to spread that into the town.”

“Red Bull have actually made a huge international touring event out of paper aeroplanes and there’s even a Red Bull App to help you design one and become a pilot.

“I think it will be great fun and we already have entry enquiries from the police and an engineering firm to start us off. “Iggesund Paper Mill at Workington kindly donated a load of A0 card which while tricky to work with makes some incredible planes so we owe them a big thank you for their community spirit.”

The runway or performance area will be marked out by bunting on the green at the front of St Nicholas’ Church and there will be tables for building and a practice area.

Whitehaven Mayor Brian O Kane said: “This is the last of our trial family events for the summer and we hope people turn out and take part in it and have some great fun. Who doesn’t like to make paper aeroplanes?”

Anyone who wants to take part but is unsure about how to make one, should have a look at designs and instructional videos online.

People are welcome to make their own paper aeroplanes at home or can turn up to create one on the day.

The competition runs from 11am until 2pm.