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A French man will be taking off from Lydd airport in a bid to pedal his way across the Channel.

French amateur pilot Stephane Rousson, who failed in his attempts to cross the English Channel in a pedal-powered airship in June, has returned for another attempt.

Stephane Rousson arrived at Lydd Airport on Friday to begin preparations for the attempted crossing to France in his helium-filled machine. If successful, it would be the first human-powered airship crossing of the Channel.

The 39-year-old will travel just 100ft above the water in Zeppy, which is slightly heavier than air and has two tilting propellers powered from a seat. It is so delicate that the Frenchman must wait for a near-windless day to attempt his feat.

Adverse weather conditions thwarted Stephane during his bid to make the crossing in early June.

If successful, Stephane will fly 34 miles to the French coastal village of Wissant. He will be using pedal power only strapped to a seat slung below the 'blimp', which measures 16 metres long and five metres high.

Lydd Airport is providing him with free hangarage and other support.