By Dan Bloom

dbloom@thekmgroup.co.uk

Sir Richard Branson has called off his second
attempt to kite-surf across the Channel.

The billionaire tried yesterday when he left
Dungeness lifeboat station ahead of schedule after winds began to
pick up at 9.30am.

But he had to call off his team's four world record attempts
after one hour 10 minutes when winds became too strong.

He was making the attempt with his family, including his
15-year-old nephew Ivo, to celebrate his 60th birthday.

Sorry, this video asset has been removed.

Video: Richard Branson's
record attempt

His second bid earlier today was postponed - because the winds
were too light - then finally cancelled because Kent had a severe weather warning!

It's not known if another attempt will be made soon

Hundreds of locals turned out yesterday, with Princess Beatrice
on the shingle to watch her boyfriend, 28-year-old Dave Clarke, who
was in the team.

The billionaire told KentOnline before he set off: "It's
impossible to say whether we'll make the record as the wind
conditions are strong.

"But I'm feeling fit and healthy so obviously I'm hoping to make
it the whole way across.

"I've filled up on lots of carbs so that always does a lot of
good!

"We've been here before - we did the aqua-car which was
great fun. It's good this time to be able to bring my children.

The entrepreneur, who actually turned 60 last month, says his
wife reckoned he was growing more crazy with age.

How did you celebrate your 60th birthday? Did you take
part in a wild adventure like Sir Richard? Did you go up in a hot
air balloon?

Tell us how you marked your big Six-Oh or, even better,
send us in a picture to countynews2@thekmgroup.co.uk