RECORD-breaking model makers get a real buzz from flying.

Expert aero enthusiasts from Tyldesley Model Flying Club set a fourth British record when their home-built craft covered 191 kilometres (119 miles) at Kay House Farm, Astley.

Pilot and club secretary Andrew Ellison steered the frugal 4.5cc model aeroplane over a closed circuit course in the skies above the remote mossland farm.

He said: "We aimed to cover 100 miles in two hours and we were spot on so we continued until the fuel ran out."

The 6lbs, 76" wingspan craft, named Peg-Hog, was powered by a Czech MVVS glow engine running on a sweet-smelling mixture of methanol and castor oil. It consumed two pints of fuel during the record flight.

A team of 12 Tyldesley club members (pictured) were on hand to ensure everything went to plan and the radio-controlled plane was kept at a steady half-power 60 mph flying speed.

Andrew explained: "It is capable of 100 mph but we set a speed which would give frugal fuel consumption."

The renowned Tyldesley club also holds British records for altitude, speed and electric powered duration.

The long-established club goes from strength to strength and now has around 50 or 60 members. They still demonstrate the Lancaster Bomber and Concorde models which earned the club national fame.

Their latest record will be ratified by the British Model Flying Association.

In 1997, the year they claimed a 4,720 ft British altitude record, they flew a model at a British record breaking 234 mph but timing equipment limitations meant they had to slow to 184 mph for the record to stand! NON

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