It's hovercrafting - but not as we know it

Hovercraft enthusiasts Gary Botten and Tim Darby are making waves across the Midlands with their new business.

The friends have set up a business offering thrill seekers the chance to travel at up to 40mph in a hovercraft - but on land, rather than in the water.

They came up with the idea almost two years ago and took their first bookings two months ago for those keen on trying out the quarter-of-a-mile circuit near Lower Drayton Farm in Penkridge.

Gary and Tim are both fans of all types of vehicles but say the versatility of hovercrafts inspired them to create a business in the Staffordshire countryside. Gary, 40, says: "When you first start using a hovercraft it is frustrating because it is a difficult machine to master.

"Our course at Penkridge is about mastering the curves and understanding how the craft works rather than speed, although you can still get up to 40mph."

Anyone wanting to use the hovercrafts has to be at least 16-years-old and there are weight restrictions on the vehicles.