Pirates plank jumping competion

The wacky annual event - in its eighth year - is due to take place on the Isle of Sheppey in Kent on 1 August.

But organisers said a 500% increase in insurance costs could mean the event sinks without trace this year.

The event has already been hit by the withdrawal of defending champ, 58-year-old Heini "The Mad Dane" Nielsen.

Technorati: competion jumping pirates plank