BURY Metro Model Flying Club has "landed" a special race site in Prestwich in what could be a UK first.

The club has secured an area of Drinkwater Park for what it believes is the first permanent, purpose-made radio controlled FPV (First Person View) Quadcopter racing site in the North West, if not the entire country.

In conjunction with the Forestry Commission, a section of the park has been approved for regular race meetings in an area which offers a challenging yet safe course over a mixture of scrubland and wooded landscape.

Club chairman Warren Sherman said: "Alongside the course is a large concrete area for parking, pits and spectators. The site is secluded and yet easily accessible by well-maintained roads and footpath.

"We are holding a massive opening race day on Saturday July 25 with an inaugural championship race and all the fun of the fair with demonstration flights, a huge radio controlled flight simulator, trade stands and a bucket load of prizes for the competitors as well the opportunity to win free tickets the UK's First Drone Show at Birmingham's NEC."

He added: "Bury Metro MFC is affiliated to the British Model Flying Association and together we hope to bring the sport to as many people as possible."

For more information on FPV Quadcopter racing: visit www.drinkwateparkraceway.uk; or www.bfpvrl.org; or e-mail chairman@bmmfc.com