Expert pilots from across the country will head to Halstead to take part in a national championship … flying paper aeroplanes.

The White Hart Inn on Halstead High Street will host the very first All England Paper Aeroplane Flying Championships.

The inaugural event will see the country’s best paper plane creators and pilots take flight as they face off against each other in a bid to see who will be crowned the best.

Those entering will be required to make their planes out of an official piece of A4 paper handed out by organisers.

All planes must be created by folding a single piece of paper and must measure more than 10cm in length.

Charles Townsend, owner of The White Hart Inn, came up with the novel idea and has now registered it as a trademark.

He said: “There is no national championships at all so I thought it was time we got one organised.

“I like paper aeroplanes and came up with the idea one day.

“It should be a really fun day for everyone and I’m sure we will all have a great time.

“Of course there will be lots of laughter but there’s a nice big trophy and £100 to win.

“Who doesn’t want to call themselves the winner of the All England Paper Aeroplane Championships?”

Once created, pilots will then aim to throw their planes as far as possible within a designated area.

The winner will be determined by whose travels the furthest distance.

In the event of a tie for first place, competitors will then face a throw off where they will be required to fly their planes again in order to establish a winner.

Mr Townsend admits he is unsure if the inaugural event will take off at first, but he hopes it will become a permanent feature in the paper aeroplane calendar.

He added: “There will be children trying to beat their parents and friends getting competitive.

“If it’s a success then of course I would love to hold it every year and who knows if it gets that big we may have to move it from the pub car park.”

The competition will take place on Saturday, May 12 from 1.30pm until 4pm.

Anyone can enter but must pay an entry fee of £2.

For more information, contact the White Hart Inn on 01787475657.