THE ALL England Stone Skimming Championship returns to the Lake District next month.

Reining 'ruler' Ron Long will defend his title, taking on all participants including two-times champion Kevin Waltham.

Anyone brave enough to chance their arm at challenging him, against the backdrop of the Lakeland fells around Windermere may do so at a small charge.

Have-a-go heroes of all stone ages and abilities will get a warm Windermere welcome at the ‘battleground’ at the National Trust's Fell Foot Park.

A female powerhouse and two junior champions will be crowned at the event, which runs from 11am-4pm.

The junior categories are for under-11s and 11-16 year-olds and no previous experience is required.

National Trust rangers will be entertaining all the family with activities based around stones and the great outdoors.

There will be hearty ales on hand from Coniston Brewery, a barbecue and various stalls to browse

New sponsor ‘Kendalife’ will be on hand, giving visitors samples of its new nutritious superfruit smoothie packed with 24 vitamins and minerals.

Julius Barratt, a trustee of organisers South Cumbria Rivers Trust (SCRT) said: “Our wondrous ‘game of stones’ event in the Northern Kingdom should lure anyone in search of national sporting glory, and tempting prizes besides, and allow us to show the indomitable spirit of stone skimmers, who turn out in all weathers and are deterred by nothing.

“This is the first year that our equivalent of darts’ ‘oche’ finds itself located in a World Heritage Site and we hope this will attract more international entrants. A daring Aussie has won it in the past, so anything is possible, especially as stone skimming is a pastime that transcends all cultural barriers and has an appeal for anyone with the child inside.”

The championship takes place on August 19 and monies raised will go to SCRT. More information can be found at www.scrt.co.uk