On Saturday, a Runningblade mower produced by Oxfordshire firm Countax broke the record for the World’s Fastest Lawnmower, by travelling at 86.069mph at Pendine Sands in Wales.

The old record, held by Bob Cleveland from the USA, had stood at 80.792mph since 2006, and Bob had flown to the UK especially to witness the record being broken. The mower was driven by Don Wales, grandson of Sir Donald Campbell, and nephew of Malcolm Campbell, who between them broke more than 20 World land and water speed records. Mr Wales now holds nine UK land speed records including the World Record for a Steam car at 148mph on Edwards Airforce base, California, in August 2009.

The team returned to the sands on Sunday, determined to extend the record further, and successfully achieved a new World Record of 87.833mph, before the surface of the sand deteriorated, preventing any further attempts.

Mr Cleveland commented: “I’ll really pleased for the all the guys at Countax, they’ve built a great mower, and given me a new target.”

When asked whether he would try to reclaim the record, he said he was going to try, but the new record would be very hard to beat.

Countax managing director, Harry Handkammer said: “I’m very proud that we have taken the record, the team at Countax have worked so hard on the mower, and it’s been a real pleasure to be here and share in the excitement.”

Countax manufactures a range of ride-on mowers at its factory in Great Haseley, near Thame, producing more than 10,000 mowers annually.