HUNDREDS of power boat enthusiasts descended on Coniston in a bid to make a splash in Records Week.

Some of the world’s best power-boaters have taken to the water in an attempt to beat world water speed records during the 43rd event which ends tomorrow (Friday). “We’ve had people from all over the world which is brilliant,” said Alison Whalley, chair of the week.

“This is always a great event and well-attended and the people in Coniston are very welcoming. There were records broken straight away so it set the bar very high.”

Within hours of the event opening on Monday, two world records and six national records were set.

The first went to 19-year-old Lancashire man Ben Morse, who became the new world record holder for the F4S class with a speed of 73.21mph.

Keith Whittle, from Twick-enham, went on to set a new national record in Clubman Catamaran Unlimited class at 126.31mph – before setting a world record of 128.57mph in his S2000 boat.

“I did what I came here to do,” he said. “I only decided three weeks ago to enter so I’m really glad I did.

“I also became a grandad two weeks ago so this has been a great few weeks! We’ll be celebrating, that’s one thing for certain.”

Youngsters Lucy Brewer and Ben Jelf, both 13, were the youngest entrants and both said they hoped to make their mark.

Ben, currently world number one in his class, said: “It’s a bit daunting going out against older people but hopefully I’ll do well.”

And American John Peeters, who travelled from Seattle to enter the event, praised the location.

“I found out I could enter and I jumped at the chance to come here. It’s a beautiful place and the weather has been perfect,” he said The number of entrants has been ‘good’ according to Ms Whalley, who has chaired the event for the last four years.

Around 60 volunteers have helped run the event while hundreds of locals and visitors have cheered from the shoreline.

“It’s just fantastic for the local economy,” said Phil Johnston, owner of Copper-mines and Lakes Cottages.

“There are hundreds of people here and it adds an extra week onto the season.It’s a fantastic way to end the summer.”