Graham Sykes, a self-described ‘nutty inventor’, reached a groundbreaking 163mph in just under four seconds on his three-wheeled steam bike at Elvington Airfield near York.

Mr Sykes designed his steam powered bike in his garden shed at the back of his house in Bedale, North Yorkshire.

It was the culmination of a 10 year effort with Diane Sykes, his wife, to create the fastest steam-powered bike in the world.

The 59-year-old, who turns 60 later this week, named his creation ‘The Force of Nature’ to emphasise his commitment to eco-friendly methods of travel.

He believes that there is no need to sacrifice speed when trying to invent vehicles in an environmentally friendly way.

Read more: The Northern Echo