Not even Batman, Superman and Buzz Lightyear could defy gravity at a mad-flap birdman competition.

Thousands of spectators gathered on and around Eastbourne Pier to watch 11 plucky contestants hurl themselves 40ft into the sea.

Hand-gliding instructor Ron Freeman, 47, won the Wright category title for the most distance travelled, after sailing 60 metres across the waves. He was the only entrant.

Ron, from Newcastle, has won the title for the past three years and just missed breaking his record distance of 76 metres.

He said: "I was disappointed I was the only entrant because I like the competition. But I had a great day, even though I didn't break the record."

The wacky category was won by Damian Karchinski, 37, of St Anthony, Eastbourne, who dressed as Buzz Lightyear.

The mail delivery manager constructed a papier mach helmet and cardboard wings to bring the Toy Story character to life.

Despite his hard work, he managed to travel only 12 metres - mostly in a downward direction.

He said: "I have entered the contest six times over the years and I have never won. Jumping off the pier is such a fantastic experience.

"It is very high up and as I am quite scared of heights its always a bit scary. Those few seconds in the air before you hit the water feel like an eternity."

Damian won £500 for his costume.

Alexander Bell, 31, from Kent, won £500 for being the most innovative entrant as the Flying Scotsman, dressed in a kilt, ginger beard and wig.

Alexander promised his winnings to the Royal National Lifeboat Institute. He said: "I had a great afternoon. The water wasn't exactly warm, but it was worth it for the lifeboats."

Although there were fewer entrants than last year, organisers said the event was still a success.

Pier manager Graeme Sand-erson said: "We were very pleased with how it all went. Lots of people entered the wacky category and those are the jumps people really come to watch."