Gyrocopter flight bid

ADVENTURER James Ketchell has taken off as he attempts to become the first person to fly around the world solo in a gyrocopter.

The 37-year-old will fly more than 42,200km across 13 different countries including France, Russia, Canada and Greenland before arriving back in England in around six months.

The gyrocopter travels at just 130km/h, with a range of about 1300km.

During his trip he will stop at schools in every country he visits in order to give motivational talks and raise money for two charities, Kindled Spirit – which supports victims of trafficking, and Over The Wall – which supports children and young people facing serious health challenges.