THE 11th British Stone Skimming and Stone Games will take place on Walcot Lake, Lydbury North this Sunday, July 14.

The first stones will be skimmed at 12noon and the competition will go on until just before 5pm ready for the presentation of simple stone trophies for the first, second and third placed skimmers.

There will be four categories for male and female: Under 12s, Under 16s, Under 65s and Over 65s, with a special prize for the best locals. There will also be an easier throwing event for the Under 5s with a memento for all participants.

The organisers are hoping for a return of the record holders in the men’s and women’s group. Local lady, Lina Tupou, is a regular skimmer who last year broke the record with 50 metres. For the past two years Alex Lewis has travelled down from Scotland and this year will be trying to beat his previous best of 107 metres.

The championships attract participants from all over Britain and is also well supported by locals. There has not been a Welsh winner of the men’s event since 2011 when Richard Struthers took his fourth title in a row.

Most people just have a go to do their best and be part of the occasion. As long as the stone bounces a minimum of three times and stays within the lane it is a success.

Although there is no prize for the number of bounces, there will be a cheer of appreciation for good artistic merit. Even those stones not achieving the set rules will be applauded by the spectators lining the bank, and skimming is a wonderful sport for spectators.

Stones will be provided or competitors can bring a supply of their own - but man made, adapted stones or any brought in from foreign lands are banned.

More than 1,000 stones have kindly been donated by Clive Richards of Mid Wales Stone, Dolanog, who has provided supported since the first event in 2008.

There is no limit to the number of times skimmers can enter so it’s advised to come well armed. The organisers must point out that it is illegal to remove stones without permission.

Alongside the skimming there are lots of field events all involving stones, with Stone the Crows, Stone Balancing, The Most Stones Held in the Hand, Pebble Net Golf, No Stone Unturned, The Pebble Dash, Table Top Curling and any other games they can come up with.

Entry onto the field and parking is free. The skimming costs £3 for each set of four stones (£2.50 for the under 16s) and the field events are either 50p or £1 a go. All prizes will be simple hand written stones or small certificates with the proceeds from the day going to the RNLI.

The organisers are grateful to Mr and Mrs Parish for hosting the event at Walcot. Some people make it a family afternoon with picnics, blankets and umbrellas if needed, and there will be refreshments on sale and a bar.

More help is always needed including another judge and a couple of helpers on the field events, and anyone wishing to volunteer on the day can contact Heather Ashton on 01588 638818. More information can be found on the website www.stoneskimming.org.uk