More than 1,300 rookie pilots were spotted throwing A4 sheets of paper through the streets on Saturday.

Weston Mercury: World paper aeroplane championships taking place in Burnham High Street. Air traffic control with some young pilots. Picture: MARK ATHERTONWorld paper aeroplane championships taking place in Burnham High Street. Air traffic control with some young pilots. Picture: MARK ATHERTON (Image: Archant)

The World Paper Aeroplane Championships were held in Burnham’s High Street which saw people from around the country take part.

Competitors created a paper plane design from a single sheet of paper, then launched it down the makeshift runway.

The winning throw was a staggering distance of 34.30m by Andrew Nicholson.

The free event was organised by Wacky Nation, in conjunction with Burnham Chamber of Trade and Sedgemoor District Council, with the aim of promoting the town centre.

Weston Mercury: World paper aeroplane championships taking place in Burnham High Street. 6-year-old Gracie with a good throw. Picture: MARK ATHERTONWorld paper aeroplane championships taking place in Burnham High Street. 6-year-old Gracie with a good throw. Picture: MARK ATHERTON (Image: Archant)

Chamber of trade chairman Mark Newman said: “This is the fourth time the event has been held to encourage more people into our town centre and promote our range of shops and businesses and it was a great success.

“We had a lot of families taking part on the day.”