STONE skimming and water sports were enjoyed by hundreds at Coniston Water Festival last weekend.

The event kicked off on Friday (July 3) as children from Coniston and Langdale Primary Schools took part in a duck race, kayaking and sailing.

In the afternoon, Bill Smith, of the Bluebird Project gave an insight into the discovery, salvage and restoration of Donald Campbell's Bluebird during a special steam yacht gondola cruise.

On Saturday (July 4) competitors from across the world turned out for the festival highlight - the All England Open Skimming Championships - hosted by South Cumbria Rivers Trust.

Over 160 people competed, raising just under £1,000 for the Trust.

Entrants from England, Scotland, Holland, France, South Africa and Germany all tried their hand at the sport, but it was an Australian father and son team that were finally victorious.

Craig Hounsey won the overall largest thrown, managing 68 metres, while his son Finn won the under 10s category with 33 metres.

The antipodean team - who have family in Staveley - told organisers they will be back next year to defend their title.

Kate Oldham, from Portishead near Bristol took the woman’s title with 34 metres and the overall champion in the under 16s was Daniel Hood, from Edinburgh with 32 metres.

Later that day 32 teams took part in the Big and Little Fat Canoe Race with SCRT paddling their way to victory.

This was followed by a It’s A Knockout water game, a cruise on the Coniston Solar Launch and entertainment from local bands With Lights Out, Mazzoni and Birds Vs Planes.

Organiser Dave Coxon said he has high hopes for next year’s festival.

“It was a great weekend, I’m really pleased with how many turned up,” he said. “Next year we’re going to try and do the world’s biggest duck race by releasing 2,000 rubber ducks into the beck. We had 750 this year but we think we can set a record.

“We also want to engage with more local schools and get some more local bands on the bill.”