RAINY weather conditions did not stop competitors in a North Yorkshire gliding competition from taking to the skies.

Yorkshire Gliding Club is holding a regional contest this week, with winners earning the right to compete at national level.

The competition, being held at Sutton Bank, near Thirsk, has attracted 25 entrants from across the UK.

Kelly Teagle, 29, from Thirsk, is the only woman taking part in the competition, which on Sunday saw competitors set the challenge of flying to and from Sutton Bank, via Pocklington airfield and Northallerton.

Ms Teagle, who has been flying for the past 14 years, said: "Sunday has not been all that fantastic for me.

"I took off, and landed about an hour later. The weather did not help, it was just one of those things.

"I always wanted to learn to fly. My granddad was in the RAF, so that is where the desire came from.

"Gliding was the cheapest way I could think of learning to fly.

"After doing it once, I was totally hooked. I knew I wanted to do this type of flying above any other.

"It is wonderful, it is like being a bird."

Although the safety record for gliding is very good, Ms Teagle says she had a close shave several years ago.

She said: "I had a near-collision with a big, soaring bird in Spain.

"Birds can get quite close, they sit on the wing-tip and give you the beady eye.

"The one in Spain got very close, but we managed to get away."

The competition runs until next Sunday.

Competitors are set tasks each day, and gliders are awarded points for their performance.

The pilot with the most points at the end of the week will be the winner.

For more information on the club, which celebrates its 75th anniversary next year, visit ygc.co.uk