Lawnmower speed record shattered

A British lawnmower has scythed its way into the history books at Pendine Sands, Wales, by setting a new world land speed record.

Driven by Don Wales, nephew of speed legend Donald Campbell and grandson of Sir Malcolm Campbell, the Kawasaki-powered Countax ride-on machine hit 86.069mph, adding almost six mph to a previous top speed set in America, four years earlier.

The following day Mr Wales again took to Pendine Sands at Carmarthen Bay, topping his own record with a speed of 87.833mph.

In line with regulations, Don Wales cut grass outside Pendine's Museum of Speed with the "Project Runningblade" machine, before taking to the Sands for his victorious run.

Clare Hansley-Boyd, spokeswoman for the team, said that sand conditions meant the going was relatively slow and that the record attempt had been hampered by headwinds. But the record was set after an afternoon of meticulous preparations which included course inspections and test drives. Once all preparations were complete, the record attempts took place over a measured mile in one direction, with the driver returning within an hour.

Added Mrs Hansley-Boyd: "It is a bit early to say where we will be going from here, but I think the 100mph target is something that everyone will be aiming at for the future."

Challengers have to prove that the machine used to make the record attempt is built primarily from lawnmower parts.

Project Runningblade has raised "significant" funds for the Wessex Heartbeat charity, which supports the Wessex Cardiac Centre at Southampton General Hospital.