This year's International Bognor Birdman rally may be the last.

Organisers Arun District Council has had to combine its Birdman budgets for both 2004 and 2005 and has warned there is no more money in the pot.

It took the drastic measure after warning this year's event would be scrapped unless £30,000 could be raised within eight days.

Aerospace engineers from NASA will go head-to-head with Top Gear host Jeremy Clarkson at this year's madcap rally.

They will join an optimistic array of competitors lining up their flying machines on the town's pier.

Former European and World hang-gliding champion Tony Hughes hopes his expertise and experience will give him an extra advantage.

Mark Moore, an aerospace engineer from NASA is more used to sending his constructions into space.

Caroline Kingsmill, a presenter from Chichester-based Spirit FM is swapping the safety of the radio station to launch her bid.

And five-times champion Ron Freeman hopes 2004 will be his year for glory as he bids to win the £25,000 jackpot.

The event has attracted interest from around the world with entrants from Japan, Canada and the Czech Republic.

Thousands of people are expected to go to this year's event on July 4 but its future is under threat despite its popularity.

Virgin boss Richard Branson stepped in to help fund last year's event and it seems certain another benefactor will be needed if future Birdmen will continue to fly.