The winter wonderland of the past few weeks has given way, for now, to the usual mild, wet and windy conditions of our southern winters.

But this isn’t before local paraglider pilots from the Petersfield-area Sky Surfing Club made the most of the cold, settled weather.

At this time of year the cold but dense air can prove quite buoyant in even the gentlest breeze.

Lots of layers are required and only the most hardy head for the hills!

On one occasion an easterly zephyr tempted a few pilots to Teglease Down near East Meon.

Club member Justin Simmonds admitted it was “a bit cold.” But this did not deter him, and others, from attempting to fly.

He later said: “It was a bit up and down, but fun was had by all, looking down on the wintry slopes.”

Harting Down also proved an attraction during the cold snap, with conditions ranging from breezy to a complete lack of any wind at all.

Jan Henslow found his patience rewarded as he waited all day for a forecast increase in wind strength.

He said: “Ten minutes after everyone left, the wind came. I had lovely flight up to 200ft above the Down. It then got stronger as forecast.”

In contrast Russell Winters found absolutely still conditions on his visit, the smoke from a distant fire rising vertically in the air. This did not stop him making a few top-to-bottom flights over the frosty downland, followed by bracing hikes back up the hill!

For club details visit the website at https://skysurfingclub.co.uk/