KITE lovers were flying high in Southampton for a weekend of airborne fun.

The annual event, now in its seventh year, attracted thousands of people to Lordshill Sports Ground.

Highlights included demonstrations of buggying, where small carts were dragged along by kites, and a kite-flying competition featuring international champions.

The event, organised by Solent Kite Flyers, also featured children's entertainment, kite-making workshops and teddy bear parachuting.

Both days gave members of the public the chance of kiting, while novices were given top string-pulling tips from the experts.

Michael Lowe, secretary of Solent Kite Flyers, said: "It went excellently.

"It was certainly the biggest Saturday crowd we have had ever since we first started.

"It's a great chance for the family to be able to enjoy themselves.

"The event seems to have got bigger every year, mainly through word of mouth.

"We had every age here, from children who were not tall enough to see over the workshop tables to grannies and granddads.

"Kiting has always been for all ages. Everyone in the world should have one."