HURTLING along at 145mph in a F1 racing car sounds scary enough but a Trowbridge man is planning to take the challenge one step further by doing it blindfolded.

Ed Elliott, 53, of Green Lane, will take up the white-knuckle challenge in June, aiming to break a world record to raise money for British Blind Sport.

Responding to an article in Auto Express, Mr Elliott contacted organiser Record Breakers and put his name forward for the stunt, scheduled to take place at an airfield in Elvington, Yorkshire.

The current speed record for driving while blindfolded is set at 145mph by a Jaguar Saloon.

Mr Elliott said: "I don't think the challenge is going to be easy. I have been quite fast in my time but I have been able to see," he said.

"I am pretty confident the record is feasible as the last car to beat it was a Jaguar, and a F1 car has got to be at least 50pmh faster than that. It is a question of whether my nerve holds."

Mr Elliott, a teacher at a special school in Mells, is looking for sponsors to help him raise cash for the charity challenge, and is appealing for businesses to help out.

Anyone interested in sponsoring Mr Elliott should call the Wiltshire Times on (01225) 352480.