Shropshire Star

Brothers to skim stones for charity at British championships in Shropshire

Two brothers will be going head to head for a record breaking throw at the British Stone Skimming championships held in Shropshire.

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Jake and Josh Wall get ready to skim

Brothers Josh and Jake Wall will be taking their sibling rivalry seriously as they go up against each other once more for the local prize at the quirky family event on July 16.

The championships see people come from all over the UK to take part at the large lake in the grounds of Walcot Hall in Lydbury North, most recently the venue for Cliff Richard's Just... Fabulous Rock n Roll comeback concert.

It will be a return to the event for the brothers after last year's face-off. At the 2016 event Jake, 23, was happily confident with his throw until Josh, 25, stepped up and set a new local record of 67m.

Organiser Heather Ashton said they were now hooked.

She said: "Rivalry between siblings and friends always makes for a good competition.

"Josh, a retained firefighter, and Jake have also decided to offer their muscles in the days leading up to the event.

"They will be helping to prepare the field and move the thousands of stones needed for all the various activities on the day.

"The organisers are very pleased with the response from several younger volunteers this year. All looks positive for the future."

This year the event is raising money for the RNLI and will take place between noon and 5pm on the day.

The skimming will be judged on distance rather than the number of bounces, but the stone must bounce a minimum of three times.

Heather said: "The organisers will be providing stones but everyone has their own preference so there is still time to gather a few favourites.

"The stones must be British and naturally formed. It’s a good idea to bring enough stones for a few goes because skimming is very addictive.

"Don’t be put off if you are not an expert skimmer because it’s all about a bit of fun and makes for a very good spectator sport too."

On the field there will be about a dozen other stone competitions to challenge people of all ages and fitness.

Parking and entry onto the field will be free. Stone skimming is £3 for four stones and the other games are either 50p or a £1, with proceeds this year going to the RNLI.