VOTE: Town ready to welcome back Bognor Birdman

ORGANISERS of the world-famous Bognor Regis Birdman competition were today poised to bring back the much-loved event to its spiritual home.

After being forced to relocate along the coast to Worthing two years ago when the pier was shortened for safety reasons, organisers are now confident of its revival in the town.

If given the go-ahead to come back, it will be run in addition to the event in Worthing.

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With Bognor suffering through the recession, its phoenix-like resurrection will prove a valuable boost to tourism. It is reportedly worth 1m to the local economy.

Both contests are billing themselves as 'The International Birdman' which will be run on exactly the same rules.

Back in September

Its competitors, who have raised countless funds for Sussex charities, will also be vying for a similar level of prize money '“ around the 30,000 mark.

Barry Jones, who is behind the Bognor event, said it would be back bigger and better than ever when it lands on September 11 and 12 '“ just over three weeks after the Worthing Birdman event.

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But he must first satisfy an Arun safety advisory panel tomorrow that the pier does not pose a danger to competitors because of the reduction in its size.

Safety fears had forced some on the organising committee to withdraw their support for the Bognor Birdman (which was traditionally sponsored by the Observer) and have transferred their allegiance to Worthing.

Strong support

Mr Jones was undaunted by the added competition this year and felt it was vital to have the key tourist attraction back in town.

He said: "We love Bognor which is why we wanted to bring this back for the town this September. We have the meeting for the safety advisory group and if they have any concerns we will do everything to meet them.

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"We have had reports done by Chichester University about the depth of the water off the pier which is why we are shortening the height of the platforms which some competitors will be using. We are looking to have St John's Ambulance there as safety is paramount.

He added: "I don't want to be in competition with Worthing and they organised a good event last year, but I believe ours will be the best.

"We have already had interest from Blue Peter about it and there will be so much fun and excitement '“ there will be prom entertainment and aerobatics displays.

"It's going to be great to have it back in Bognor."

The event could already have one Bognor celebrity contestant in the form of singer Jonathan Ansell. The opera star said he would 'have to compete' if it were to come back to its home town.

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Show your support for Bognor International Birdman by adding the logo to your Facebook and Twitter profiles with the Observer's Birdman Twibbon.

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