Councillor beats speedboat record

Ted Walsh has been racing for 12 years

A councillor has entered the record books after driving his powerboat at an average speed of 138mph.

Ted Walsh, 40, a conservative county councillor for Cartmel, achieved a new national and world record for the S3000 powerboat category on Coniston Water.

He achieved the feat as part of annual Records Week, which has been held at the lake for the last two years.

Mr Walsh beat the previous record of 132mph in his boat "TerrorDACtyl". He said he loved "flying" over the water.

The annual power boat Speed Records Week had been held on Windermere since the 1970s, but an enforced 10mph (16km/h) speed limit forced it to move to Coniston two years ago.

It doesn't all have to be about grey suits and long meetings Councillor Ted Walsh

Mr Walsh, who is an IT consultant, has been a parish councillor for three years and became a county councillor in May 2005.

He said: "I've been racing power boats for 12 years and love the feeling of flying over the water at high speed.

"I know it's far removed from the traditional image of a councillor, but it doesn't all have to be about grey suits and long meetings.

He is also Chairman of Racing at the Windermere Motor Boat Racing Club, whose past members include Donald Campbell.

Coniston is famous for Mr Campbell Bluebird water speed record attempts.