French inventor crosses channel to Dover on flyboard

The crossing to Kent took place in the early morning Credit: Steve Parsons/PA Wire

A Frenchman has landed in Dover after crossing the English Channel on a jet-powered flyboard.

Franky Zapata, 40, took off from Sangatte near Calais and landed at St Margaret's Bay in Dover. The crossing was 22 miles long.

His first attempt last week failed after he crashed into a refuelling boat 12 miles into the 22-mile-long journey. This time he used a larger boat to make it easier to land.

The flyboard has five turbine engines powered by kerosene fuel which is stored in the flyer's backpack. The board can travel at speeds of up to 118 miles a hour.

Zapata came to public attention after taking part in a military display as part of France's Bastille Day commemorations in Paris last month on 14th July.

Zapata hovers over English soil Credit: Steve Parsons/PA Wire
Zapata crossing the English Channel Credit: Steve Parsons/PA Wire