WHEN he sets out to become the first person to conquer the English Channel on a cycle-powered craft, Scott Bonnar is hoping it will be third time lucky.

The intrepid seafarer aims to set a record by cycling from Poole to Cherbourg covering 70 miles in around 18 hours.

His unusual vessel is a home-built aquacycle - effectively a floating bicycle.

Three years ago his first attempt ended when the gears on his Bycoo machine started jumping after a few hours at sea.

The following year he tried again, but after four hours suffered a leg injury and, despite bravely trying to continue, was forced to quit 22 miles into the journey.

Now, Scott, 38, of Sandbanks Road, Poole, is preparing to head back out to sea this month for another go.

He has been in serious training for months in and around Poole harbour and is confident he can achieve his dream.

And this time it is a race against time as another challenger is also preparing to attempt setting a record for the trip, which has never been done before.

"We are looking at taking 18 hours to cycle across. I'm extremely confident, more so than before because the craft has been improved," said Scott.

"Throughout the winter I've been training with long cycle rides and gym work and lately training on the water."

Providing weather conditions are favourable, Scott will set out from Poole on May 17.