LAWNMOWER BREAKS LAND SPEED RECORD IN PENDINE SANDS

A British lawnmower has cut the world land speed record by reaching a new top speed of more than 86mph.

Rider Don Wales took the petrol driven mower into the record books at Pendine Sands in Carmarthenshire.

The previous lawnmower land speed record was 80.792mph (130.022km/h) set in America – Mr Wales was recorded as reaching 86.069mph.

His team are now due to return to the same spot on Sunday in a bid to break the 100mph barrier.

Those making a bid for the record must drive over a measured mile in one direction and return within an hour.

Any of the motorised grass cutters taking part must also be built primarily from lawnmower parts.

Mr Wales's grandfather was Sir Malcolm Campbell who broke the world land speed record, in a car, at the same venue in 1924.

The record attempt, named Project RunningBlade, has been led by the National Motor Museum in Beaulieu, Hampshire.

American Bob Cleveland set the previous land speed record on a lawn-mower at Bonneville Salt Flats, Utah, and was present at Saturday's run in Wales.

The record attempt also raised funds for Great Ormond Street Hospital for Sick Children and Wessex Heartbeat.