AN activity usually associated with a beach holiday will be taking place in the grounds of a country house in south Shropshire.

Brothers Luke and Jake Wall will be up against each other for the local prize at the British Stone Skimming Championships at Walcott Hall on Sunday, July 16.

Last year Jake was happily confident with his throw until Luke stepped up and set a new local record of 67m. Rivalry between siblings and friends always makes for a good competition.

Luke, aged 25, a retained firefighter, and Jake, 23, 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.

Stone-skimming is judged on distance rather than the number of bounces but the stone must bounce a minimum of three times.

Local lad, Spike Clacy holds the under-16 record of 66m. There will also be skimming categories for the under-14s and over-65s and a throwing contest for the under-5s.

Stones must be British and naturally formed.

On the field there will be more than ten other stone competitions to challenge people of all ages and fitness. These include stone balancing, the pebble dash, stepping stones, no stone unturned, table-top curling and stone the crows.

There will be a bar and refreshment stand and plenty of scope for picnics. Parking and entry on to 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.

All the fun takes place between 12 noon and 5pm at the wonderful setting of Walcot Lake.

For more information visit www.stoneskimming.org.uk