Alison catches the Birdman bug

She will make her International Birdman Competition debut as a giant insect.

Her 1.5m long wings, which are just under a metre wide, were designed by her pupils at Westergate Community School as part of their classroom work.

She expects many of them will be on the beach on Saturday and Sunday to see how well their efforts succeed in carrying her through the air. Most of her students and some of her colleagues wrote good luck messages on her wings.

The wings are made of copper piping with plastic piping on top to create a dome-like effect. A large insect face completes the creation. Alison has had two sets made to enable her to jump off the pier on both days.

'I've lived in Bognor for seven years and seen the Birdman competition many times,' explained the 32-year-old town centre resident.

'I decided it was time I had a go. I thought taking part would be a good opportunity for my class to see a project through from start to finish with a real challenge.

'It has worked very well. They have been very enthusiastic about it and watching me take off from the end of the pier.

'I'm looking forward to jumping, though I think I might be absolutely terrified when I'm on the ramp about to take off.'

She has worked at Westergate Community School for five years. Her aerial exploits are sure to provide a talking point when the new term starts for staff on Monday and pupils the day after. Other Bognor area entrants are Bognor Regis Community College teacher Andrea Coleman, from Felpham and Robert Jones. Chichester's Lisa Jackson is also taking part.