A WEST Devon rocketry group has announced an ambitious project to challenge the UK rocket launch altitude record later this year.

South West Amateur Rocketry Membership (SWARM), based at Folly Gate, have unveiled the Mayflower Project, which intends to launch a rocket on the anniversary of the Mayflower sailing from Devon to America on September 6, 1620.

The project will celebrate the South West?s close relationship with America, in particular the rocketry club?s support from two American ?rocket boys? ? Homer Hickam (NASA retired) and Jimmie O?Dell Carroll.

Club member Jim Lennie has designed a two-stage rocket to challenge the UK altitude record which currently stands at 14,398 ft.

Two teams are involved. John Hopper, Ellie and Sam Moss of the children?s beehive section of the club will be building the half-scale version called Pilgrim.

The full-scale rocket Speedwell will be built by Jim Lennie, Roy Cook and Steve Turner.

The junior team also expect to break the current UK altitude record and have challenged the adult team to a ?space race?.

Jimmie O?Dell Carroll contacted the SWARM team to wish them luck with their record attempt.

?I am impressed! I know you will ?raise the sails? and go far with the Mayflower launch. I like the launch vehicle too,? he said.

?I am hoping and praying for your success with the Mayflower. Godspeed and keep me up to speed and ?in the loop?,? he added.

SWARM are believed to be the only family rocketry group in Britain with most of the members coming from dairy or dairy farming industry backgrounds.

In October last year, the group made a presentation for the National Space Centre in Leicester.

The Mayflower Project is made possible with the generous support of Starchaser, the British company actively pursuing the goal of putting civilians in space. The club were recently given a VIP tour of Starchaser?s facilities.

SWARM meets at least once a month at Folly Gate and new members are always welcome. For more information on the club visit website http://mysite.freeserve.com/swarm/index.html">http://mysite.freeserve.com/swarm/index.html