THE FINAL stage of the reconstruction of the record-breaking Bluebird hydroplane, in which speed ace Donald Campbell died more than 40 years ago, has begun.

Gina Campbell, daughter of the legendary record breaker, fixed the first rivet in Bluebird K7 to mark the start of the last phase of The Bluebird Project to build a permanent home in Coniston for the iconic boat.

The Bluebird Project volunteer team has worked tirelessly for two years reconstructing the boat, which broke the world water speed record for an unequalled seven times, after her shattered remains were recovered by Bill Smith in March 2001.

The craft was successfully trial-assembled in September and a purpose-built wing awaits her at the Ruskin Museum in Coniston, while work to complete the hull is expected to take a year.