A radio-controlled model of Bleriot's plane has made a successful
crossing of the English Channel at the second attempt.

The plane, which was half the size of a the original, landed in
a field near St Margaret's, between Dover and Deal, exactly an hour
after taking off from Calais.

It was being controlled by Dutch aviator Henk van Hoorn from a
helicopter which flew alongside the model.

Last year the first attempt ended in failure when the model
plane suffered engine failure and crashed into the sea (see library
picture above).

But this morning all went well and Mr Van Hoorn described it as
a fantastic crossing and a brilliant landing.

John Gibbs, from a model club in Dover, marked out the landing
site at Westcliffe, and guided the plane in with a flare.

There was a champagne celebration for all those involved,
including Little Louis, the model pilot who was in the plane all
the way across.