A 200-strong crowd gathered at Bilfields Farm, Bredenbury, on Monday, to see a pensioner drive a floating quad bike across the lake and back, to raise money for the Multiple Sclerosis Society.

The bike was specially adapted for buoyancy, with additions including polystyrene plates.

The brave driver, 74-year old George Watkins, of Panniers Lane, Bromyard, said it made a change from driving a floating tractor over deep water.

In 1977, when George was a sprightly 51-year-old, he hit the headlines after driving a tractor over another lake.

"The tractor was much more stable. The quad bike was the sort of machine you could not act the fool on, especially as I can't swim. I had to keep it steady," he said.

Keith Hill, of Bilfields Farm, is a friend of Mr Watkins and, like him, a member of the Stoke Bliss Ploughing Society, which organised the daredevil challenge.

He said: "George was just given a challenge 18 months ago at the Barnaby Arms in Bredenbury, but he didn't know the depth of the lake, some 30ft, until a fortnight ago.

"When the commentator announced he was over the deepest spot, you could see his face change."

Safety measures were in place throughout the duration of the stunt, including a doctor on the site and a waiting motor launch.

At the time of going to press, the total amount raised for the Multiple Sclerosis Society was not known, with donations still coming in.