Nottingham's Russell Cheetham, joint managing director of child safety product manufacturer Clippasafe, has flown into first place at the FAI European Gliding Championships.

The event, held this year in Nitra, Slovakia, is now in its 15th year and sees the leading glider pilots from across Europe taking part in two weeks of intense competition.

Russell, who has been taking part in the sport since 1985, secured the gold medal in the 18 meter class after completing nine racing days. With points being awarded according to speed achieved around each daily task, he ended the competition on an impressive total of 7,283.

"The competition was extremely hard work, but immensely rewarding," commented Russell. "I've spent several months preparing for the championships, as well as taking part in some pre-competition flying in Slovakia to get used to the landscape.

"It was a great feeling to stand on the winner's podium, and it was made even more special by the fact that my UK team mate, Mike Young, finished in second place. People are often quite surprised when they find out that I take part in the sport. I have to admit that gliding is a million miles away from my day job of making child safety products at Clippasafe."

At a special prize-giving ceremony, in addition to the gold medal, Russell was presented with the winner's trophy to mark his achievement.

"There's certainly no time to sit back and relax," added Russell. "I've got the British National Championships later this month, which I have already won six times in both Open and 18m classes over recent years, and I hope to be selected again as one of the Great Britain team members for the World Gliding Championships, which are being held in Hungary next summer."