GRASMERE was the base for this year's Lakes Charity Classic hosted by the Cumbria Soaring Club, which attracted 78 paragliding pilots.

Competitors ranged from British team members to cross-country virgins, all keen to taste the delights of Cumbrian flying.

The event was split into two classes, the A category, intended for experienced, competitive pilots and a B category for those looking for a more friendly and educational experience.

Because of southerly winds both events were held on the Skiddaw range.

Task Director Steve Thwaites took B group up Jenkin Hill for an 11.9km Race to Bewaldeth.

The A group, under the direction of Burkitt Rudd, went to Blease Fell for a 21.2 km race to Wigton.

Both groups had to contend with hazy, though buoyant, conditions coupled with a strong sea breeze across track.

The Bs saw two pilots in goal, while the best from As were a little under 2km short of target.

On the second day the same two sites were used, though the groups swapped round giving each a taste of the long Jenkin carry.

It was less hazy and the Bs were set a testing 16.2 km race via one turn-point.

The turn-point at Latrigg was an early crux for many, though conditions later on made this slightly easier.

The As had another challenging task via two turn-points for a 24.8 km race.

At turn-point one pilots had to contend with an encroaching sea breeze, while back along the ridge and once round turn-point two, a strong valley wind met those pilots with less altitude.

In the end the top four pilots were all within 2,500 metres of goal with competition newcomer Ben Keayes winning the day.

Results: Saturday: A category - 1 C. Borsattino, 2 S. & C. Ethrington/Board, 3 D. & J. Snowdon. B category - 1 J. Gammage, 2 P. Gannon, 3 G. Logan.

Sunday: A categroy - 1 B. Keayes, 2 S. & C. Ethrington/Board, 3 M. Sunter. B categroy - 1 P. Logan, 2 P. Gannon, 3 A. Young.

Overall: A category- 1 S. & C. Ethrington/ Board, Windtech Tucan; 2 C. Borsattino, Windtech Quarx II; 3= J. Stilling, Advance Sigma 5, & Ben Keayes, Freex Oxygen. First woman - S. Spillett, Nova Axon. B category - 1 P. Gannon, Gin Oasis; 2 J. Gammage, Windtech Serac; 3 P. Logan, Apco Allegra. First woman - Helen Warwick, Custom Sail TRX.