The North East Puddle Jumping Championships are hoping to cause a splash in February, as part of the Wildfowl and Wetlands Trust (WWT).
The Trust is urging families to get outdoors in the February’s half-term holidays, no matter the weather, and test their puddle-jumping abilities.
The puddle jump is judged on the enthusiasm of the jumper, the creativity of the jump and the height of the splash.
Leanne McCormella, WWT Washington Wetland Centre’s marketing manager, said: “We know that children and big kids love nothing more than to splash about in puddles.
“So we’re giving them the chance to channel their inner splasher while competing to become the North East Puddle Jumping Champion in a friendly competition.”
This is the main puddle-jumping competition in the area. To help entrants, a practice zone will be set up to perfect their technique ahead of the competition.
The marketing manager added: “We also know that children who love puddles often grow up to be adults that love the outdoors.
“Through the Big Splash we’re gently nurturing a love that may help protect wetlands and the wildlife that depend on them for years to come.”
Winners will be announced daily and the North East regional champion will be selected from WWT Washington’s daily winners to go up against the eight other WWT wetland centres.
TV wildlife presenter Miranda Krestovnikoff said: “There’s nothing like splashing about in puddles and making it a competition adds an exciting new dimension to this well-loved British tradition.
“It is also a fantastic way to get children outdoors and engaged with our most important natural resource, water.”
Miranda Krestovnikoff is also a keen fan of the WWT’s Big Splash
She added: “This will be brilliant fun. I’d love to have a go and I know my kids would too.”
Washington’s WWT also offers families to get close to wetland wildlife including otters and flamingos.
The competition will run from February 13 until February 21 and is open to everyone.