Branson in second Channel record attempt

Sir Richard Branson is ready to make a second attempt to set two world records by kite-boarding across the English Channel.

Strong winds and a choppy sea made it unsafe for him to proceed with the 24-mile crossing on Tuesday and he turned back after just an hour and 10 minutes on the waves.

The Virgin entrepreneur hopes to celebrate his 60th birthday by becoming the oldest person to cross the Channel by kite-board.

He also aims to make the fastest crossing by a kite-board team.

Accompanied by his children Holly, 29, and Sam, 26, and a number of others including Princess Beatrice's boyfriend Dave Clarke, 28, he set off from Dungeness in Kent on Tuesday morning, hoping to reach the French coast.

Princess Beatrice was among the crowd of spectators standing on the shore to see them off.

But winds measuring up to six on the Beaufort scale prevented the safety boats from accompanying them on the crossing and Sir Richard reluctantly decided they should turn back.

They travelled just five miles from the shore. He said afterwards: "I don't think I've ever done an adventure where I've succeeded the first time. I'm looking forward to getting the job done tomorrow."