WEYMOUTH'S notorious Birdman competition ended in dramatic fashion when the winner of the event was rushed to hospital.

Garry Clarke attempted to leap across the harbour riding a wooden replica of Big Ben while wearing a Tony Blair mask and had successfully raised £250 for MV Freedom, a tour boat for the disabled.

Crowds packed the harbourside yesterday afternoon to watch the seven entrants to the Birdman contest and six other people 'walking the plank' off scaffolding over the harbour.

Mr Clarke crashed into the water at high speed and was injured by the impact when he landed still on top of his self-constructed flying machine.

He was the penultimate competitor and as the crowds dispersed following the event, Mr Clarke was receiving treatment in a rescue divers' boat. Medics and police were quickly on the scene, cordoning off an area near the water's edge and treating Mr Clarke while on the boat.

He was then lifted on to the harbour's edge and taken to Dorset County Hospital in Dorchester. Staff confirmed he was in a stable condition but were unable to give details on the extent of his injuries.

Clinical site manager Rosie Slade said: "He is quite stable and is being admitted."

Mark Stratton, who jumped with Mr Clarke dressed in a George Bush costume, said the injuries to his friend did not seem too serious and he was even in good spirits. Mr Stratton said: "He's just winded, he was even swimming when we were in the water. He's still laughing and stuff."

However, chairman of the sea festival Peter Targett said although Mr Clarke was conscious and chatting with medics, the injuries could be more severe.

"He might have broken his pelvis, it's a real shame for him."

Mr Clarke was announced as the winner while he was still being treated at the water's edge and organisers are promising a special presentation when he has recovered.

Other competitors in the event included runner-up Toby Verriour, a pirate in a rocket, 69-year-old George Lawson, who was dressed as a witch, and Wyke Regis Junior School teacher Robin Maslin, in a Thunderbirds outfit.