Hempleman-Adams plans a balloon flight over Everest

The 47-year-old from Wiltshire took off from Mondovi in the foothills of the Italian Alps at 1035 local time, exactly 100 years after the Wright brothers made history with the first powered flight.

He piloted the 70,000 cubic feet Skystar DP-70 over a 1km course at an average speed of 26km per hour to set the world speed record for the BX-04 class of airship.

"Even though this is a small record, I am delighted to have been able to achieve it on such a memorable day in aviation history," he said.

In September he became the first person to cross the Atlantic in an open wicker basket hot air balloon.

The explorer is planning a balloon trip over Mount Everest.

An original attempt had to be abandoned after the terrorist attacks of 9/11.