Birdman of Chadderton plans to soar off with coveted prize

Grand design . . . Andrew Atherton constructs his glider which he hopes will win him the Bognor Birdman title

Is it a bird? Is it a plane? No it’s the birdman of Chadderton . . . or so he hopes.

There’s pride at stake for wannabe pilot Andrew Atherton, who is drawing inspiration from the design of the first-ever powered flying machine, to become this year’s Bognor Birdman.

Andrew, the 42-year-old manager of the Whitegate pub on Broadway, will be taking a leap of faith off Bognor’s pier in July in the hope of soaring into first place with his home-made glider — for the charity Wateraid.

And what better model than the one created by the iconic Wright Brothers for the first powered flight in 1902.

Andrew said: “I looked at a lot of different designs and spoke to guys at aerospace.

“The original is simple enough to do and it worked, although I won’t have the advantage of an engine.”

A first prize of £500 is on offer for those that reach the furthest distance, but Andrew wants to smash the 100m barrier — a feat never achieved before.

Andrew added: “If it flew over 100 years ago surely it must work now.

“We’re in the category that takes it serious so we’re going all out to win and I’m feeling good about it.”

The glider, made using simple materials such as cloth, wood, metal fixings and glue will have a 28ft wingspan.

Joined by friends and a former aerospace engineer, Andrew has spent two months working on the optimum design to secure their success.

But there is just one hurdle in the way — a 40ft drop into the freezing English Channel.

Andrew said: “The jump is the one concern, I’ve never done one that high before.I may have to go to Oldham swimming baths and make a couple of leaps off the highest diving board!

“If the glider works it’ll be a gentle decline into the water, if not it could be a pretty swift drop.”

Since its inception in 1971, the competition has seen hundreds of madcap teams from across the globe take part including billionaire businessman Richard Branson in 2003.

Thousands now line the shore to witness the spectacle.

Andrew is preparing to don the trademark flying helmet and goggles to be transformed into a magnificent man in his flying machine.

He will even hang the glider from the ceiling of his restaurant during the final stages of its assembly, for diners to marvel at.

His aim is to raise cash for Wateraid, the charity to increase access to clean water across the globe.