DOZENS of people have taken part in a 160 feet high bungee jump marking the beginning of Weymouth Kite Festival.

The mobile attraction, operated by UK Bungee Club, was situated on the Esplanade on Saturday next to the Clock Tower.

It featured as part of this year's Weymouth Kite Festival and remained on site most of the day.

The first jump was initially planned to take place at 10am but strong winds caused a two-hour delay. 

Aisha Brain, 33, from Weymouth, was the first person to take a leap of faith.

She said: "I was surprisingly all right. I was bit nervous having to stand on the edge.

"It was like falling to your death."

Mrs Brain was supported by her husband, children and friends. She described it as a brilliant experience.

She said: "I've always wanted to have a go and you should try everything once.

"You don't realise how high it is until you're actually up there." 

Jason Single, 45, from Weymouth, wore a GoPro strapped to his chest as he made his jump.

He said: "It was brilliant. It was really good.

"It was a friend of mind that suggested doing it and I was up for it.

"I'd recommend it to anyone. If you asked me if I'd do it again, I would." 

Andy Ridell, technical director of UK Bungee Club, said he was pleased to be by the coast despite the murky conditions.

He said: "We just held back for the weather. The wind was just a little bit above the limit. It finally dropped around 11.30am."

Michael McManus, director of the Community Kite Group, said he was really pleased the attraction could go ahead as planned.

He said: "It's fantastic. I'm absolutely over the moon. 

"It's great to see everyone enjoying themselves and the support that's come down for them."

As well as the bungee jump, Saturday was put aside for practice flying on the beach. 

Competition and displays began yesterday and will continue today.

Trophies will be presented at festival HQ - the double decker bus parked on the seafront - at 3.30pm.

This is the second year the event is organised by the Community Kite Group, which stepped in to save the festival after Weymouth and Portland Borough Council withdrew financial support.