November seems to have been relentless rain, but a few brief breaks have allowed some hang-gliding in the sunshine.

During one mild spell, a few members of the Petersfield-based Sky Surfing Club enjoyed an ‘away day’ to the Purbeck Hills in Dorset.

The gentle south-east wind drew club hang glider pilots Ian Parker and Maciej Wolaniecki to Ballard Down, overlooking the town of Swanage.

They were joined by pilots from other clubs, including Neville Almond, Richard Mosley, John Meredith, Mark Phillips, Justin Flanagan, Stuart Davies and Steve Young.

Maciej said: “The conditions were very ‘lifty’ with seagulls and hang gliders floating in the smooth air above the cliffs and over the sea.

“It was sunny, with blue sky and only a little haze on the horizon, and I climbed up to 750ft, but earlier in the day other pilots were much higher.

“From the air we had a fantastic view of the Isle of Wight, Bournemouth, Poole Harbour, Studland and Swanage.

“Late in the afternoon some low, wispy clouds formed over the Down which allowed us to see our very own ‘spectres’ – a unique experience.”

Davies added: “One pilot flew wing tip to wing tip with a peregrine falcon – not an unusual occurrence, but a truly special experience that none of us ever forget.

“A very big ‘thank you’ to the National Trust and the farmer for allowing to use this beautiful site.”