VIRGIN Atlantic chairman Sir Richard Branson is expected to attempt his next world record from Dover on Monday.

The Channel Challenge is part of the celebrations of his airline’s 20th birthday, and involves Sir Richard attempting to break the record for the fastest crossing of the English Channel by an amphibious vehicle.

Weather permitting, he is expected to drive down the slipway at Dover Harbour, opposite the Royal Cinque Ports Yacht Club, in a Gibbs Aquada. He believes the 22-mile crossing to Calais can be achieved in less than two hours.

“The first time I saw the Gibbs Aquada it really captured my imagination, not only in terms of the exciting British technology involved in creating a true amphibian vehicle, but also thinking about the fun events and world records we could attempt with it,” said Sir Richard.

“Out of all of the record attempts I have tried over the years this has to be one of the most unusual.

“This isn’t our first seafaring record attempt - back in 1986 in Virgin Atlantic Challenger II we crossed the Atlantic Ocean in the fastest time to take the Blue Riband and the World Record.

“Almost two decades later we will be embarking on another water-based record but one that will present very different challenges. In 1986 we had sharks and typhoons to contend with - this time it will be cross-Channel ferries and English weather.

“I certainly hope this attempt will be as successful - and not on the second attempt!”

Sir Richard said he had been undertaking a rigorous training schedule in preparation for the record attempt … “including a few extra swimming lessons just in case!”

Sir Richard will be the driver and will be joined by a Gibbs Aquada engineer.

The attempt will be closely monitored by Guinness World Records and an adjudicator will be on hand to time and verify the event.

A flotilla of small boats - and a mass of television, newspaper and other media - is expected to accompany the trip. A civic reception is being planned in France and Sir Richard and his team are due to return to Dover with P&O Ferries later that afternoon.