VIRGIN Atlantic chairman Sir Richard Branson, setting off from Dover this morning, has set a new record for the fastest crossing of the Channel by an amphibious vehicle. He did it within 90 minutes.

Early this morning Sir Richard was at the wheel of the Gibbs Aquada as it drove slowly down the slipway at Dover Harbour, raised its wheels, and set off like a speed boat across the harbour, out of the Western Entrance and away towards Calais.

A Virgin A340 300 Airbus flew low over the harbour and dipped its wings as the company's boss embarked on the epic journey.

The record for the fastest crossing by an amphibious vehicle was previously held by two Frenchmen who made the crossing in six hours. Sir Richard believed he could do it in less than two hours - and he was right.

"It was really nice to take something back off the French after last night's football match," he quipped.

Before leaving, he presented a cheque for £2,000 to Dover Lifeboat.

KM-fm's Katy Dartford spoke to Sir Richard after his record-breaking run...