Luke to the skies

Luke Rebbeck, 26, from Cootham, travelled to Vinon-sur-Verdon, in the alpine Luberon area of France, to compete in the World Club Class Gliding Championship.

Mr Rebbeck, who flies at the Southdown Gliding Club at Parham, was making his first appearance in the British team at senior level and finished the competition in 28th place.

He flew a total of more than 3700km over 10 races, often in difficult, thundery conditions.

His best result was a third place in the sixth race of the series, although he was forced to land in a field short of the finish on three occasions.

Previously, Mr Rebbeck enjoyed a successful time in the junior ranks which culminated with a silver medal at the World Junior Championships in 2003.