Excitement at Whitehaven's first paper plane contest

Dozens of people descended on St Nicholas' Gardens for the unique challenge which saw competitors create the most impressive paper plane.

Prizes were awarded for the longest flight and best design, which had been donated by the organisers, Whitehaven Town Council, as well as sponsors, Wilkos and Airfix.

Copeland Councillor Graham Calvin was triumphant with his paper plane crash landing at 22 metres, just beating the Reverend Robert Jackson, who achieved a 21-metre flight.

Coun Calvin said it had been a "really enjoyable" morning.

Brian O'Kane, town mayor, said: "It's been a pleasant Saturday morning watching folk attempting to make something that would fly more than three yards. Personally, I managed two!

"With divine intervention it appeared that the Reverend Jackson just managed to get 21m, however, Graham's expertise came to the fore when he reached approximately 22m."

Sofia Wilkinson, 5, won a prize for her perseverance throughout the competition. Her dad Richard said: "We have loved it. It's been really good. It's been a really nice atmosphere."

Matthew Savage, 8, of Hensingham also won a prize and Joshua Linklater, 7, of Thornhill won a prize for the best design, with his paper plane that had been decorated with Pokemon and Super Mario characters.

Tony Lywood, Labour's prospective parliamentary candidate for Copeland, also enjoyed taking part in the competition.

He said: "I don't think I have thrown one since I was at school. It's a brilliant idea though. I think it's a great community event."

The competition was organised with the help of local businessman, Gerard Richardson MBE.

It was part of a programme of summer events designed to entice people back into the town centre and showcase St Nicholas' Gardens.

Mr Richardson said: "We have done four events - the idea was to put events on to see what worked and what didn't.

"It's worth doing again but I think as part of one of the other events. It's been a good laugh."