'Kettle' beats land speed record

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A 103-year-old world land speed record for steam-powered vehicles has been smashed by a British supercar dubbed the "fastest kettle in the world".

The 25ft-long British Steam Car hit an average speed of 139.843 mph on two mile-long runs at the Edwards Air Force Base in California.

The previous record of 127 mph was set in 1906 by American Fred Marriott in a Stanley steam car at the Daytona Beach Road Course, and was the longest-standing officially-recognised land speed record.

However it was beaten by the Hampshire-based team with Charles Burnett III at the wheel.

Mr Burnett said: "It was absolutely fantastic. I enjoyed every moment of it. We reached nearly 140 mph on the first run before I applied the parachute.

"All systems worked perfectly, it was a really good run. The second run went even better and we clocked a speed in excess of 150 mph. The car really did handle beautifully.

"It is a privilege to be involved with such a talented crew. What we have achieved is a true testament to British engineering, good teamwork and perseverance."

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