Hill hopes to defend his title

University student Tom Hill will be defending his Guernsey Open surfing title this weekend.

Hill, who defeated Johnny Walbridge in last year's final, has been training in Cornwall ahead of the championships.

Another former winner, Matt Le Maitre, is also expected to compete at the event which is raising money for the BBC Children In Need Appeal.

Organisers are looking to run the Open at Portinfer on Saturday and Sunday if the surf conditions are suitable.

Hill dominated last year's Open division at Portinfer after making good use of his top seeding at the event.

A member of the UK Rip Curl surf team, Hill will also be joined in the first round draw by Dan Hewlett and Lee Morvan.

In the longboard division, Greg Le Tissier will be going for a second consecutive crown.

Le Tissier took out 2006 winner Josh Sexton, Will Jones and Mark Ball in quality six foot waves at Vazon reef and will looking to recapture that form again this year.

The event is being run by Guernsey Surf Club and a decision will be taken on Thursday on whether the surf conditions are suitable to stage the event.

The Longboard and Veterans is taking place on Saturday at Vazon with the Under-18s, Under-16s, Under-14s and Girls Open being held on Sunday.

A special presentation evening is being planned for the following weekend, date and venue yet to be confirmed.