Darlington's Paul Swift sets world record for driving on two wheels

A stunt driver has set the world record for the tightest gap driven through by a pickup truck on two wheels.

Paul Swift from Darlington managed to squeeze through a gap of just 88cm (35in), which was 1cm narrower than the previous Guinness World Record (GWR).

He completed the feat at Silverstone on 9 November for GWR Day.

Mr Swift, a motorsport champion whose father was a stunt driver, said he was "delighted" to add the record to three others that he holds.

His new record was measured by subtracting the height of the pickup truck being driven on two wheels from the size of the gap through which it was driven, a GWR spokesman said.

"Windy conditions on the day added to the challenge but after a couple of unsuccessful attempts, Paul managed to shave 1cm off the minimum to beat and achieve the Guinness World Record title," the spokesman said.

Mr Swift already held the records for tightest parallel park by electric car, fastest time to perform five car stunts and most donut spins on a motorcycle performing a wheelie in one minute.

"It feels fantastic to get this [new] record," he said.

"Most people tend to bend over backwards to achieve a record title, but I tilt my pickup sideways."

He said the vehicle's suspension meant the biggest challenge was "trying to keep it nice and stable while it went through the gap... I am delighted that we did it".

Craig Glenday, editor-in-chief at Guinness World Records, said Mr Swift was the "perfect example of how you can turn your passion into a record-breaking success".

Follow BBC Tees on Facebook, X (formerly Twitter), and Instagram. Send your story ideas to northeastandcumbria@bbc.co.uk