Roaring down a two-mile stretch of runway in a high-performance supercar with only electronic bleeps for guidance has seen former North Yorkshire policeman Ken Moss notch up a blind world land speed record.

Blind Ken Moss, of Scarborough, in the cockpit of his MGF car after his record-breaking drive at Boscombe Down on Saturday

Ken, 41, from Scarborough, hit 131mph on his final solo run at a military testing site at Boscombe Down, Wiltshire, on Saturday.

And he smashed his previous accompanied blind land speed record by accident when he clocked up 154mph on a practice run in a souped-up BMW.

He said of his solo record: "I thought I would be frightened but I had so many things to think about there was no time to be nervous."

He was guided by a gyro navigation system used in fast-jet fighters, which was specially adapted by scientists from the Defence Evaluation and Research Agency (DERA).

Crammed into the restrictive bubble cockpit of a special version of the MGF sports car and wearing a helicopter pilot's helmet which blocks out the roar of the engine, Ken staked his claim in motoring history.

But his record remains "unofficial" because, by virtue of his disability, he does not have a racing driver licence.

After notching up the record, Ken said: "I was just sailing along in a silent world of my own."

The start of his attempts was held up by the late take-off of a military aircraft so he lost the chance to try for faster runs.

Speaking yesterday from a hotel near Reading, he said: "I must admit I felt a bit low. I didn't actually smile until this morning. I woke up early, sat on the bed, and a big grin just came across my face.

"It shows that just because you are blind or disabled it doesn't mean you are written off. With the aid of technology you can lead a perfectly normal life.

"I want to thank everybody who helped me."

His wife, Cheryl, 39, said: "I think it is fantastic. I'm so proud of him. It's an example to us all."

Courageous Ken's amazing actions have been dubbed a landmark inspiration, that shows disabled and able-bodied people what can be achieved through sheer determination.

Ken lost his sight seven years ago in a horrific car smash which left him fighting for his life. His patrol car collided head-on with a lorry on the A64 near Malton as he pursued a stolen car.

St Dunstan's, a charity which cares for men and women blinded in the service of their country, helped him to rebuild his life.

The charity's project director, Neil Swan, masterminded his speed bid and brought in World Rally Championship driver Tony Pond, in Ken's words "my mental mentor".

Neil said: "It's an absolutely amazing result. The guy is a hero.

"He has extended the boundaries for disabled people and I think it's been one of the greatest examples of that."

BBC1's Tomorrow's World programme will feature Ken's high-speed efforts on Wednesday at 7.30pm.

There will be a free draw for an MGF car to raise money for St Dunstan's. All those sending a donation (£1 suggested minimum) to Ken Moss, St Dunstan's, 12-14 Harcourt Street, London, W1A 4XB, will be entered. Cheques/POs should be made payable to St Dunstan's.

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