Contestants are jetting in from around the world to take part in the world's most eccentric air show.

The Bognor Birdman contest involves people trying to fly 100 metres in home-made aircraft.

In the competition's 34-year history nobody has ever reached the distance and claimed the £25,000 prize.

Last year's winner Tony Hughes, a microlight flying instructor, flew 82.5 metres.

James Nugent of Cuckfield Road, Hurstpierpoint, East Sussex, took part in the competition in 1999, 2000, 2002 and 2003.

He is due to enter this year's Leonardo da Vinci class, for people who want to build craft that are attractive but essentially useless.

He said: "It is a great day out and a celebration of British eccentricity. It raises a lot of money for charity and this year they have got people coming in from all over the world."

Mr Nugent's entry for this year is based on a gatling gun design, with a circle of barrels containing a canopy that will either spread out to create a sort of floating airborne jellyfish or collapse into the sea.

He said the day was fun for children and his son, 18-month-old Bear, would be interested to see what he had been building in his shed.

Jenny Jones, a member of the committee organising the event, said people were coming from Thailand, Canada, Australia, Ireland, America and Britain to plunge off Bognor's pier.

She said: "The silliness of it appeals to all sorts of people.

"The first day is really for charity. People dress up in outrageous costumes and jump off the pier to raise money.

"The Leonardo da Vinci group do marvellous designs which don't necessarily have to fly."

Last year there were concerns about funding for the event. A company was set up, Bognor Birdman Ltd, which gained sponsorship from Bognor Regis Town Council.

The events are free to watch and parking is available in and around Bognor Regis. Flights will take place at Bognor Regis pier on Saturday, from 11.30am, and on Sunday, from 12.30pm.