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A Frenchman inspired by the classic film ET is hoping to become the first person to cross the English Channel in a pedal-powered airship.
Stephane Rousson, 39, from Nice, has set off from Hythe in Kent to Wissant while suspended from the miniature Zeppelin.
It is Rousson's second attempt at crossing the 28-mile stretch across one of the world's busiest shipping lanes after he was forced to postpone the challenge in June due to strong winds.
It would also be the second daredevil cross-Channel feat in as many days, following the success of Swiss adventurer Yves Rossy, who yesterday became the first person to fly solo across the sea using a single jet-powered wing.
The challenge is a long-held dream for flying enthusiast Rousson whose love affair with aviation grew as a child after watching Steven Spielberg's alien adventure and led to him gaining a pilot's licence.
The 16-metre-long helium-filled blimp, nicknamed "Miss Louise" after his former girlfriend, requires light gusts of only two knots to become airborne.
The Frenchman qualified as a pilot in 2001, at a time when the industry took a downturn.
Jobless, he devised a new way to employ his aeronautics knowledge and at the same time fulfil his passion for flying with the help of sponsors.
Rousson said he also drew inspiration for his venture from the successful Channel crossing in 1979 of the Gossamer Albatross, a human-powered aircraft piloted by cyclist Bryan Allen and built by engineer Dr Paul MacCready.
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Weather for Preston
Wednesday 08 February 2012
Today
Sunny spells
Temperature: -4 C to 2 C
Wind Speed: 13 mph
Wind direction: South east
Tomorrow
Light rain
Temperature: 2 C to 3 C
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