SOME of the world's best stone skimmers were in town this weekend and Windermere witnessed a new record.

With a massive skim of 86 metres, Kevin Waltham set a new All England Stone Skimming Championships record on the shores of Windermere.

A big crowd gathered at Fell Foot Park yesterday to watch competitors make the stones skim across the famous lake.

Chasing the men's title this year were former world, English and Welsh champions, and the present European and Swiss champions.

But the event, organised by South Cumbria Rivers Trust, is open to anyone just wanting to have a go at stone skimming on the lake.

Mr Waltham, 34, of Newcastle, reclaimed the title he won back in 2013. The champion and record holder said: "I'm delighted. I'm really pleased with that throw. When I won in 2013 it was with 77m.

"Stone Skimming is just one of those things I did as a kid and enjoyed. A few years ago I Googled to see if there was a world championship and there are different championships.

"Windermere is a really lovely setting for the event."

The 11 to 16 years champion was Noah Johnson with 49m, the women's event was won by Emily Ostridge with 46m, and the under 11s champion was Isabelle Rogers with 39m.

The team of four event was won by NSOTB with a combined distance of 268m.