Richard Branson today embarked on a fresh bid to set two world records by kite-surfing across the English Channel – 24 hours after being forced to abort his initial bid.

American balloonist Steve Fossett said today his quest to circle the globe is going better than his five previous tries, despite losing contact with mission control for five hours earlier in the trip.

American balloonist Steve Fossett has been forced to carry out repairs outside his capsule, only hours after beginning his attempt to fly solo around the world.