VIRGIN Atlantic boss Sir Richard Branson is still claiming he is the record holder for the fastest crossing of the English Channel by an amphibious vehicle.

His crossing, in a Gibbs Aquada in June last year, took one hour 40 minutes and six seconds.

On Tuesday, Nick Fox and Auckland businessman Maurice Bryham used an amphibious rib called Sealegs to make the crossing from Dover to Calais in 43 minutes 12 seconds.

They drove up the French beach to the amazement of people nearby, and were greeted by a group of gendarmes.

Mr Fox said: "We cracked open a bottle of Champagne, said hello to people, and then turned round and came back.

"It was a very good trip in perfect conditions. It was a bit bumpy in mid-Channel, but it was fine."

With them on board the craft was Hugo Andreae, editor of the Motor Boat and Yachting Magazine, who said it was certainly a different experience.

Sealegs, built in New Zealand, is basically a high quality rigid inflatable boat with three in-built wheels which can be retracted in the water.

The craft certainly looks more like a boat then the Gibbs Aquada which is a registered car, licensed and insured to be driven on the roads in this country. Sealegs can be driven on the road in New Zealand, but not here.

The craft, which cost £30,000 each, are now available in the UK and Mr Fox says he is certain they will become as popular as they are in New Zealand.

But the crossing did not impress Sir Richard Branson.

When the Dover Mercury contacted his office after Tuesday’s crossing, a spokeswoman said: "To qualify for the record, the vehicle has to be licensed and registered to drive on the road in the UK.

"Mr Fox may be claiming a record, but it’s a different record to the one held by Sir Richard."