Talented youngsters get prizes after Hayling kitesurfing festival

The team from the Virgin Kitesurfing Armada returned to Hayling Island after their world record, which was achieved at the festival last month.

They returned to Mengham School to give out prizes to children who entered the competition to design an original kite.

Thousands went to the festival to see the Guinness World Record for the largest parade of kitesurfers.

There were also kitesurfing talks, exhibitions and live music.

More than 250 children from six schools attended the event for a talk on wind energy and the environment from pro-kitesurfer Lewis Crathern.

Winning the prizes in each year group were Peter Pyatt, Lily-Sue Philbrow, Connor Adams and Abbie Fairbrother, who each won £50 gift vouchers.

The overall winner was Lily-Sue Philbrow, who also won a trainer kite from Ozone.

Hayling Councillor Clare Satchwell, who helped to give out the prizes to the children, said: ‘This competition is just one example of the organisers of this fantastic festival working with the island’s community. Kitesurfing is growing in popularity.’

Organiser Dan Charlish said, ‘It was fantastic to have so much more community involvement from local people this year.’

Next year’s festival is booked for June 9 to 11.