Boat-car smashes Channel record

Nick Fox was due to return to the UK after setting a new record

A businessman from New Zealand has smashed Sir Richard Branson's record for crossing the English Channel in an amphibious vehicle.

Nick Fox, who lives in London, more than halved the Virgin Group chief's record when he arrived in France in 43 minutes and 12 seconds.

Sir Richard entered the record books last year in a little over 1hr 40mins.

Mr Fox made the crossing in his rigid inflatable "Sealeg" boat, which has three retractable wheels.

'Feeling confident'

The New Zealand invention only needs one person to launch and retrieve it and is capable of travelling short distances on land at up to 6mph.

At sea it can manage speeds of up to 35 knots.

The Sealeg moves from land to water with three retractable wheels

The vehicle was launched from the Dover slipway in Kent and landed in Cap Gris Nez near Calais on Tuesday.

Mr Fox said he was always confident his craft could break the record.

"We have tested the vehicle extensively and it is extremely reliable and easy to handle.

"The on-land capability has been developed so owners can drive up to the boat house without any assistance, while the launch process is seamless from land to water."

Sir Richard entered the record books in the Gibbs Aquada, which was built in Nuneaton, Warwickshire.