Ron Long reclaims stone skimming crown on Windermere

Champion Ron Long was beaten by 2m (6.5ft) in the 2013 championships

A veteran stone skimmer has reclaimed his former title.

World and Welsh Open champion Ron Long narrowly beat 2013 winner Kevin Waltham at this year's contest on Windermere.

Mr Long skimmed 70m (230ft) against Mr Walton's 69m (226ft) in the All England Stone Skimming Championships.

Organiser Julius Barratt said windy conditions prevented record-breaking skims but it was a "thrilling finish with last year's winner Kevin Waltham battling it out with Ron Long".

The winner of the previous three championships finally managed the extra metre to win the medal, Mr Barrratt said.

The event, at Fell Foot Park, is run by South Cumbria Rivers Trust to raise funds for conservation.

There were categories for men, women and children plus a new one for teams

The rules say stones no more than three inches wide must be sourced from the area and must bounce on the water a minimum of three times before sinking.

Last year Mr Waltham, from Newcastle, won the men's class with a skim of 77m (250ft) while Mr Long came second with 75m (245ft).

The 2014 All England Stone Skimming Championships results

Men

• 1st Ron Long 70m (230ft)

• 2nd Kevin Waltham (2013 Champion) 69m (226ft)

• 3rd Andrew Home 57m (187ft)

Women

• 1st Barbara Maher 34m (112ft)

• 2nd Hayley Banks 24m (79ft)

• 3rd Barbara Waltham 18m (59ft)

11-16

• 1st = Ben Nakhle-Edwards 58m (190ft)

• 1st = Cian Menzies 58m (190ft)

• 3rd Mike Athersmith 56m (184ft)

Under 11

• 1st = Oliver Andrew 28m (92ft)

• 1st= Jacob Ward-Haslebow 28m (92ft)

• 3rd Caleb Harniess 24m (79ft)