ADVENTURER David Hempleman-Adams has set yet another world record.

The Swindon-born explorer averaged 26kph over a one-kilometre course in an airship after taking off from Mondovi, in the foothills of the Italian Alps.

His latest achievement comes less than three months after he became the first to cross the Atlantic in an open-basket balloon.

Although his category of airship speed record a measured kilometre in a small BX-04 class of craft is recognised by international aviation body the Federation Internationale Aeronautique, David is the first to make an attempt.

He has therefore set the standard any future contenders must beat.

And he did so on the 100th anniversary of the Wright brothers' first successful powered flight at Kittyhawk, North Carolina, USA.

The former Moredon Infant and Junior schools pupil said: "I was very lucky in a way.

"I had hoped to make the flight on Montgolfier Day, November 21 the 200th anniversary of the Montgolfier brothers' first balloon flight.

"I couldn't because of bad weather, but I was able to on December 17, which was the 100th anniversary of powered flight."

That opportunity came with a chance break in the weather. David was in Italy, hoping for a chance to pilot the 40ft Skystar DP-70 into the record books.

When that break came, he was telephoned by Giovanni Aimo, the man who taught him to fly airships about 18 months ago.

The explorer rushed to Mondovi. The crucial flight took place at about 200ft. This and September's balloon crossing of the Atlantic are the latest in a long line of David's achievements, which include:

l Becoming the first man to walk alone to the North Pole in April this year. He was forced to complete the last 60 miles with a broken ankle after a fall.

l Becoming the first person to pilot an open-basket balloon to the North Pole in 2000.

l In 1986 becoming the first Briton to walk solo and unsupported to the South Pole.

l Becoming the first person to achieve what is termed the adventurer's grand slam by scaling the highest peaks on all continents and travelling to the geographical and magnetic North and South Poles.

When not on adventures, David lives in Box and is a businessman and motivational speaker. Along with fellow adventurer Richard Mitchell, he also runs the Mitchemp Trust, which provides young people from deprived backgrounds with the chance to try outdoor activities designed to build confidence and interest in the world about them.

And his next challenge?

He said: "I haven't done my Christmas shopping yet. I don't mind doing anything or going anywhere except shopping."