AN adventurer aims to become the first person to cross the Gobi Desert in a kite-powered buggy when he begins his world record attempt this week.

Bolton-based professor Brian Cunningham arrived in Mongolia on Tuesday to begin preparations for his 600-mile, month-long expedition in which he will travel through one of the least-populated parts of the world.

Together with experienced adventurers Kieron Bradley and Peter Ash, Prof Cunningham will travel by Land Rover from the Mongolian capital, Ulaanbaatar, before embarking on the epic journey on Friday. They will travel by a buggy pulled by a kite through the famous Desert of Dinosaur Bones before finishing in the Erdenaalai region.

The team hope to set a record for the furthest distance travelled by kite buggy in 24 hours.

The £8,000 buggy has thick hi-tech wheels which have been designed to withstand treacherous conditions as they reach speeds of up to 20mph.

Prof Cunningham, aged 61, of Chorley Old Road, Bolton, said: "We have been planning this trip for 11 months -- now comes the fun bit. A lot of hard work has gone in to preparing for the trip, so it is pleasing that we are now on our way."

The team has endured a harrowing preparation process during the past few months, with officials in Mongolia confirming only 24 hours before they were due to fly that their equipment had cleared customs.

A website has been set up for people to follow the record attempt. Visit www.gobi-kites.com for the latest news.