Sportsman Steve Cunningham has broken his own world record as the fastest blind person on water.

Mr Cunningham, 37, from Chacombe, near Banbury, reached an average speed over a measured kilometre of 71.23mph on Lake Winder- mere.

Last month he tried to set a record in the Solent, but because of rough conditions he could reach an average speed of only 50.56mph.

Yesterday, flatter conditions meant he improved his speed. It was the first time that a blind person had taken part in the annual record attempts week on the lake in its 31 year history.

Experienced driver Mike Mantle helped Mr Cunningham set the record in the V24 powerboat by giving him instructions and working the throttle.

Mr Cunningham, who became blind at the age of 12, said he was "very pleased" with his new record, one he could add to his blind land speed record of 147.56mph.

He said it had been "a fantastic personal event," and he hoped that his achievement would "encourage all visually impaired people." He added that he was keen to raise money for charity and had contributed to the Guide Dogs for the Blind, Dogs for the Disabled and a Royal National Institute for the Blind children's project.

Mr Cunningham's next world record attempt would be to break the record for powerboating around the coast of Britain which currently stands at four days.

The same day, Witney powerboat driver Peter Little set a new national record for Class III two litre powerboats with an average speed over the measured kilometre of 81.71mph.