The Canterbury powerboat pilot who died in a high-speed race crash has been named as Kevin Edmondson.

Mr Edmondson, 53, had been competing at West Bay, Dorset, where the popular TV show Broadchurch was filmed, on Sunday afternoon when his Phantom 19 powerboat smashed into another boat.

Thousands of spectators watched in horror as the tragedy unfolded during the Offshore Circuit Racing Drivers Association race.

Mr Edmondson's co-pilot Annika Hawthorne was also in the boat at the time of the crash and was rescued from the water and taken to Dorset County Hospital.

She is believed to have escaped serious injury and was treated for shock.

The two occupants of the other powerboat were not injured.

It is not clear what speeds the two crafts were doing but the most powerful racing boats can reach more than 70mph in good water conditions.

The Marine Accident Investigation Branch have been informed, and an inquest will be held.

The accident happened near the cliffs made famous by the ITV crime drama starring David Tennant and Olivia Colman.

Offshore Circuit Racing said the crash happened in 'perfect conditions' around 3.15pm on the last lap of the final race.

OCR spokesman Steve Oaten said Mr Edmondson was an amateur racer who had been competing in a 'promotional' event, the Aqua Adrenaline Series.