Explorer David Hempleman-Adams set an airship speed record in the foothills of the Italian Alps last Wednesday - on the 100th anniversary of powered flight.

Mr Hempleman-Adams, from Box, said: "I am delighted to have been able to achieve the record on such a memorable day in aviation history."

The explorer succeeded in his world record attempt for a BX-04 hot air airship in Mondovi at 10.35am local time.

He piloted the 70,000 cubic feet Skystar DP-70 over a 1,000-metre course, making three double runs at an average speed of 26.17 kph.

Mr Hempleman-Adams arrived in Italy the night before the attempt, after being tipped off that the weather conditions were perfect.

He said: "I wanted to try for the record earlier this year, but the weather wasn't good enough and we had planned to wait until January.

"Then, when I was talking to my contact down there on Monday, he mentioned the weather report for the next day was perfect.

"I managed to get a last-minute flight over to Italy, but had to persuade the specially-accredited observer Barbara Morton to postpone her trip to a wedding to come with me.

"We got there late on Tuesday night and broke the record the next day, on our third run."

Airships today are traditionally used for scientific research, monitoring outdoor events where security is a concern, tourism and advertising.

But Mr Hempleman-Adams said the view from the craft across the Alps was breathtaking.

He said: "Barbara made the flight with me to record the speeds and we also had two more observers on the ground."

He added: "Realising that we had broken the record was a huge buzz."

Mr Hempleman-Adams returned to England on Friday and went straight back to work at Global Resins in Corsham.

This year has been a thrilling one for Mr Hempleman-Adams.

In September he created a world record by flying solo across the Atlantic Ocean in an open wicker balloon on his third attempt.

And in April he became the first person to walk 300 miles solo to the geomagnetic North Pole.

After his latest record-breaking expedition Mr Hempleman-Adams is looking forward to Christmas with his wife Clare and their three daughters.

But he already has ambitious plans for more adventures in 2004.

"I would love to fly over Everest, as it's the only thing I haven't succeeded in doing so far," he said.

"My last attempt to do it was called off when September 11 occurred and the Chinese withdrew my permit.

"We will be making another permit application this year and hopefully will be able to try again.

"It will be a huge project logistically, but it would be very exciting.

"I also hope to try and break a couple of six-wing craft records 2004 certainly won't be a dull year."