AN East Lancashire woman who is aiming to set a new land speed record for a steam-powered car will be making a bid for the title early next year.

And Annette Getty, the daughter of John Getty, chairman of Nelson-based PDS Engineering, pictured here in exclusive pictures, has revealed how she could be learning to fly in a bid to prepare her for the high-speed attempt.

The 27-year-old is one of two drivers who will out to break the 150mph mark, and then up the speed to 200mph, in a bid to set new records for the world's fastest steam-powered car, when she takes to a track next year. She may even reach speeds of between 200-300mph.

To prepare for the record attempt she has been practising on the Leyland Test Track, formerly used by Leyland Motors, at Oulton Park racetrack, and has been taking part in rallying.

Annette, who went to Habergham High School, Burnley, said: "I am looking at between 200 and 300 miles an hour, and it's very exciting. The car is now on wheels and you can actually get in, which I did for the first time recently.

"It's great. We have seen it from the very beginning, from the first drawings, and it's fantastic to actually see it coming together.

"Just being able to sit in it, and knowing it's real, it's wonderful."

Under the world record rules, cars must drive along a one-mile track, then turn round and head back along the same track, both in a set period of time. Under the rules for the American record, which Annette also hopes to set, just one run is needed.

PDS Engineering, which Annette also works for, is supporting the event, and has been making a number of parts for the car, including the brakes.

The firm was approached because of its work on the world speed record-breaking Thrust car, headed up by businessman Richard Noble.

In total the project will have cost about £650,000.

Annette said: "They're looking at going out to South Africa in early spring trying to set the world record then they want to go out to America for Speed Week at Bonneville in August to take the American record.

"Richard Nobel of the Thrust team has advised me to take some flying lessons.

"He said when you're doing something as dangerous as that you need to make sure you're properly disciplined."

Her father John said: "Because the internal combustion engine rose to prominence so fast, steam power was put on the back burner and then basically given up on.

"People saw that you just didn't need it any more.

"So the steam engine was never developed with modern equipment that the internal combustion engine has had thrown at it. But this is steam power being brought right up to date into the 21st century."