SKIMBOARDERS are gearing up for the annual Preston Skimboard Festival in Preston, Paignton.

The two-day competition takes place next weekend and promises a display of some of the Bay's best skimboarding talent.

The sport sees competitors skimming across the surface of water just a few millimetres deep and pulling off tricks and jumps in the breaking waves right next to shore.

Skimboarding is yet to gather pace in the UK and this one of the only competitions in the country.

Matt Martin, organiser and owner of Sandskater on Manor Corner, Preston, said: "Skimboarding is pretty much still in its infancy. We are pioneering it. It is still a small sport at the moment.

"We aim this at the grassroots of the sport and don't get people travelling miles to enter, but we do get a lot of holidaymakers taking part."

This is the third year the competition has taken place and entries are already up on last year.

Matt is looking forward to the action.

He said: "I am definitely looking forward to the competition. It is always a bit of a giggle down there. Previous years have been great.

"The long-range forecast is good and promises some good waves over the weekend."

The action take place on Preston beach near the Boathouse, which will be providing entertainment throughout the day.

Aside from the board action there will be face painting, hair braiding, a barbecue and live music on both days.

The competition is open to all ages with categories for under-eight, under-11, under-16 and over-16.

The first prize in each category is a Circle One skimboard.

The heats take place on Saturday, August 15, from 10am with the finals and semi-finals on Sunday morning.

Entry is free but registration is essential. Registration forms are available from Sandskater, Manor Corner, Preston; the Boathouse on Preston beach or online at www.sandskater.comor www.boathousebar.co.uk