WHAT pastime is both challenging and relaxing, while offering a bird s eye view of the rolling East Devon countryside?

WHAT pastime is both challenging and relaxing, while offering a bird's eye view of the rolling East Devon countryside?

You can find out by taking advantage of an open weekend at the Devon and Somerset Gliding Club, where taster flights lasting up to 15 minutes will be offered at a special price of �25 on a first-come, first-served basis. The special offer includes a free, trial membership to the club.

The event is taking place at the club's Sheldon airfield over the weekend of May 29 and 30. Hot and cold food, along with refreshments, will be available.

Gliding instructor and tug pilot Stuart Procter says: "The sport is a real challenge and it's all about beating the elements.

"It is a challenge to stay up in the air and fly for as long and as far as you can, without using any fuel whatsoever. People have flown for nine hours-plus, but it depends on the day. You can cover 400 kilometres-plus.

"It's quite a relaxing sport, is suitable for people of all ages and is accessible."

Mr Procter, of Dunkeswell, first took up gliding in 1990 after a friend took him on a flight.

"I've been here ever since," he said. "I thought it would be too expensive and out of my reach, but it wasn't."

The Devon and Somerset Gliding Club was founded by a group of enthusiasts 40 years ago.

They bought the airfield and became life members of the club.

Gliders can be hired from the club, once new members have been trained to fly them. The club is open four days a week - Saturday, Sunday, Wednesday and Thursday.

You can find out more by calling Godfrey King on (01803) 400990.