A martian, Father Christmas and Plankenstein were just some of the jumpers taking part in this year’s World Walking the Plank Championships.

Hundreds turned out to watch the 19 plankers leap into sea at the 11th championships at Queenborough Harbour on Sunday.

Dane Heini Nielsen, of Weekes Court, Queenborough, took this year’s first prize – his fourth win.

His back flip and tuck from the side of the Sheppey Pirates’ Salty Sea Pig galleon secured the prize of a shield, certificate and £100.

Second place went to Marvin Blackstock, from Appleford Drive, Minster, who jumped dressed as Marvin the Martian.

Eddie Jamieson, from Buckthorne Road, Minster, won third prize for jumping as Austin Powers lookalike Austin Pirate.

More than 600 spectators watched other jumpers, including Mayor of Queenborough Jackie Constable, who was dressed as a clown, and three Sheppey Zulus.

Plankers were judged in four categories – use of piratical language, originality of costume, execution of jump and overall star quality.

The day raised more than £100 for the RNLI.

Organiser Captain Cutlass, leader of the Sheppey Pirates, said: “The quality of plankers is getting better every year and luckily the weather held fine for us, with only a little shower.”