The world's largest birdman event is facing the axe amid fears competitors could break their legs in shallow water after workmen demolished the end of the pier.

Competitors from around the world descend on Bognor every summer to launch themselves off the pier, safe in the knowledge the water below is deep enough to cushion their fall as they plunge into the sea.

But organisers fear Bognor Birdman will have to be cancelled in its 30th anniversary year because safety work carried out last week means the pier is now shorter and the water beneath the end is more shallow.

Civic leaders are worried the local economy could lose millions of pounds as the event attracts up to 25,000 spectators and gives the area huge publicity.

Barry Jones, the chairman of the International Bognor Birdman competition, said: "We were rather devastated when we saw contractors pulling a bit of the pier down.

"We are obviously doing checks now, as it depends on whether, when we build the ramp, there is enough of a drop underneath. When the contestants go off a 35ft drop, they need to have 10 to 15ft of water beneath them. We don't want lots of competitors with broken legs.

"Our main concern is the safety of the contestants and we are not rushing to make decisions one way or another.

"We would really like it to run this year as it is the 30 th anniversary. We already have entrants from America and Germany so it would be sad if it couldn't go ahead."

He told The Argus other options, such as using a different location, were being considered if the pier could not be used.

He said: "We need a few days thinking hard now but we never give up and we'll keep trying."

Hugh Coster, deputy chairman of the Bognor Regis Civic Society, said: "It would be something of a disaster if the competition cannot be held, as it is important to the town.

"If it doesn't happen here another resort would want to take it and it would be a loss to the town.

"Everybody is concerned about it. I only hope the organisers might be able to do something to make sure it stays here."

Arun district councillor Paul Wells said the loss of Bognor Birdman would be a serious blow to tourism - not just in Bognor but in the wole Arun district.

He told The Argus: "This is a worldwide event that brings in television and Press coverage and helps to put the South-East on the map. It would be a huge loss."

Angie Edlin, who manages Bognor Pier, said: "We just let them use the pier but we are not involved in the organisation of the competition.

"I personally don't think there will be a problem but I'm not an expert. If they carry out their safety checks we have no objections to them using the pier."

The Bognor Birdman started in 1971 as the International Bird-Man Rally in nearby Selsey. The competition involves running off the end of a pier and attempting to 'fly' the furthest distance.

There was an initial prize of £1,000 for anyone who could travel beyond 50 yards.

In 1978 the growing competition moved to Bognor and by 1983 the competition had attracted European teams and the attention of the BBC.

Several participants compete just to raise money for charity but other serious competitors attempt to win the prize money. In 1984 Harold Zimmer of Germany flew 57.8m to claim the top prize, which then stood at £10,000. By 1990 the record was 71 metres, the prize distance had been increased to 100m, and the prize money was £25,000.

Although jumping off the pier is strictly prohibited allowances are made for this event only. People otherwise caught doing so will be prosecuted and may face police charges. In 1992 the current record of 89.2 metres was set by Dave Bradshaw.

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