by Graham Tutthill

gtutthill@thekmgroup.co.uk

A radio-controlled model of Bleriot’s plane has made a successful crossing of the English Channel at the second attempt.

The plane, which was half the size of the original, landed in a field near St Margaret’s, between Dover and Deal, exactly an hour after taking off from Calais.

It was being controlled by Dutch aviator Henk van Hoorn from a helicopter which flew alongside the model.

Last year the first attempt ended in failure when the model plane suffered engine failure and crashed into the sea.

But this morning all went well and Mr Van Hoorn described it as a fantastic crossing and a brilliant landing.

John Gibbs, from Bloobirds model club in Dover, marked out the landing site at Westcliffe, and guided the plane in with a flare.

There was a champagne celebration for all those involved, including Little Louis, the model pilot who was in the plane all the way across.