THE star of a world-record breaking stone skimming event is set to show off his skills in some of the country’s most beautiful surroundings.

Dougie Isaacs is to compete in the All England Open Stone Skimming Championships for the first time this Saturday, having never before competed on Windermere. It comes after he tasted success during the first ever Guinness World Record distance-based stone skim attempt in May.

Going up against 11 others who had won or been placed in a major competition over the past five years, Mr Isaacs emerged victorious after notching up a distance of 107.4m. His distance is going through the ratification process and, if approved by the relevant authorities, will become an official Guinness World Record.

Despite having won various top stone skimming honours, Mr Isaacs has never competed on Windermere before. This weekend, he will go head to head with several-time All England Stone Skimming Champion, Ron Long, who did not compete in May’s record attempt event.

Reigning champion, Kevin Waltham, is also expected to be defending his title this year and will be banking on his experience skimming on the waters of Windermere. But absolutely anyone can give the contest a go and, with skimming being such an erratic sport, those who turn up on the day are always in with a chance.

Julius Barratt, is a trustee at South Cumbria Rivers Trust, which organises the event.

He said: “The skimming action starts at 11am and ends at 4pm, giving everyone plenty of opportunity to get their name into the official sporting record books. Being able to say that they took on someone who, if all is ratified, could become a Guinness World Record holder would also be a pretty cool thing to drop into the conversation back at work on Monday, so we want to see a lot of have-a-go heroes turning up.

“We’d also like more women and children to enter and think that offices around Cumbria should be pulling a team together for the team event. You have to be in it to win it.”

The event takes place at Fell Foot Park and adult entry costs £3. Children can enter for £1 and teams for £10. All money raised funds the vital conservation work carried out by the trust.

As well as the men’s competition, there are separate categories for women, under-11s, children aged 11 to 16 and teams. Those who enter can skim three stones and take as many attempts as they like, with distances only registered where the stone skips three times and stays in the lane laid out in the water.

This year’s event has been sponsored by the Lakeside Hotel and The Bowness Bay Brewing Company, which will be bringing its marquee to the event and serving up a range of craft beers named after something connected with Windermere. A barbecue and craft stalls will be set up around the skimming area.

There is also a lot of fun to be had for competitors and spectators, with outdoor activities laid on at Fell Foot Park by National Trust rangers. They will be encouraging visitors to explore some of the ‘50 Things to Do before You’re 11 and ¾’.