Skipton MP Julian Smith will be relying on a wing and a prayer to keep his political dignity when he takes part in the Birdman Challenge at Broughton Game Show on Sunday.

And he may have to resort to a little parliamentary hot air to see him reach dry land as he is due to attend the Armed Forces Day service in Ripon Cathedral straight afterwards.

Mr Smith was more than a little shocked when he found out he was being held to a rash pledge he made to show organiser David Aynesworth during the election campaign.

The challenge – with a £1,000 prize – involves leaping over a 40ft-wide part of Broughton Beck on the showground in front of Broughton Hall.

For more than 20 years the prize has been up for grabs to the first daredevil to cross the water without taking an early bath.

Entrants have to use their own power – with no engines, rockets or other mechanical means. To date, no-one has succeeded.

“I don’t believe they are going to make me do it,” laughed Mr Smith when reminded of his pledge, but he said he would give it a sporting go as he was very competitive. And he may ditch his suit for something a little more unorthodox.

“I’ll have to get my wife to help me make something. I expect to have cool, trendy wings in any pastiche,” he said.

The challenge is scheduled for 1pm.

“Julian is being a great sport in agreeing to have a go, but I did tell him earlier in the year that, if he didn’t, I wouldn’t vote for him,” said Mr Aynesworth who takes part in the challenge himself.

Mr Smith has an added incentive to come up with an eye-catching Birdman outfit. The most visually-impressive entry will win a private helicopter ride over the Dales – which would be useful to get the MP to Ripon for the 2.30pm service.

The event starts at 10am with a packed itinerary throughout the site and in the two rings. Attractions include the Jive pony display team, an aviation aerobatic display, dog agility show, historic vehicles, falcons, heavy horses, Pendle Forest and Craven Hunt hounds and Airedale Beagles, gun dog scurry, open clay shoot, plus many trade stands.

Broughton Game Show is the annual fundraising event for Craven’s two rescue groups – the Grassington-based Upper Wharfedale Fell Rescue Association and Clapham’s Cave Rescue Organisation.