A FORMER ITN cameraman and private pilot is part of Wiltshire team hoping to fly high and win the 2019 Icarus Cup.

John Boyce, 59, is helping to pilot the Team Airglow human-powered aircraft for this year’s competition from July 20-27.

This Saturday sees the start of the amazing competition at the place where it started in 2012 - Lasham near Basingstoke.

Mr Boyce, of Huntingdon Street, Bradford on Avon, said: " "Flying is from dawn, around 4 am to 8ish.

"You have to pedal the aircraft to fly it unaided, and have to be very fit, as well as being a pilot."

Team Airglow was second overall last year and is hoping to go one better and take the trophy and a £1,000 prize this year.

The Icarus Cup is run by the British Human Powered Flying Club and the Royal Aeronautical Society based in London.

Mr Boyce added: "This is a fascinating event - human powered aircraft in multiple challenges for the trophy."

Teams have to complete ten challenge ‘tasks’ including 200-metre and one kilometre time trials, a 500m slalom course, a figure of eight, unassisted take-off, spot landing, and landing on grass.

Airglow has a massive 30 metre wingspan and is made of super-light materials making her very fragile.

Last year's competition ended with the USA team Aerocycle winning the Icarus Cup and the cash prize.