Burnham-On-Sea resident Syed Hassan has won the title of World Paper Aeroplane Champion after winning a competition in Burnham-On-Sea town centre on Sunday (21st June).
Dozens of Burnham-On-Sea residents and visitors got the chance to become the world champion during the inaugural event held in the High Street, where the longest flight of the day was named the winner. The event was held to promote the town centre.
Syed, 43, who works at Burnham’s Shah Indian restaurant, won the title with a huge throw of 31.4 metres. “I had over 20 goes – it was great fun!” he said, adding. “I’m delighted to have won.”
The long-time leader in the competition was Daniel Stevens from the village of Mark, who threw his paper plane 28m. It was designed by his partner Sally Flack, who demonstrated origami to her school pupils – both are pictured above.
Competitors folded a wide range of unique paper designs during the day-long event, which was held in bright and breezy conditions in Burnham High Street.
Town Centre Manager Bev Milner Simonds, who was the Air Traffic Controller for the day, told Burnham-On-Sea.com: “Despite some tricky cross winds, the threat of bird strikes and additional obstacles of hanging baskets, the creativity of plane design, determination of frequent flyers and the high quality marshalling of the ground crew meant this was a great day out for friends and families.”
“It was lovely to see so many families having fun together on the High Street. Many thanks go to Wacky Nation for co-ordinating a really special day and for the time given by our loyal ground crew. Congratulations go to the new Word Champion, Syed Hassan.”
The event was organised by Burnham and Highbridge Town Council and was free to enter and was held with the aim of promoting the town centre.
James Bamber fromn Wacky Nation, which co-ordinated the event, added: “This was one of our busiest events – it was a great success – and we hope it continues to grow and run in Burnham for many years to come.”
