Pilot marks first Channel flight,A Swedish pilot will attempt to recreate the first flight across the English Channel, on the 100th anniversary of the

At dawn on 25 July 1909, Frenchman Louis Bleriot created history by piloting his Bleriot XI from Sangatte, France, to Dover in England.

On Saturday afternoon, Mikael Carlson is due to lead three replica Bleriot XIs across the Channel.

The crossing is part of the Dover 2009 celebrations marking the centenary.

But, just as 100 years ago, a Frenchman could get there first, as it is understood that L'aeroclub de France is planning to land a Bleriot XI in Dover at 0630 BST.

'Lucky one'

The landing site is the Duke of York's Royal Military School, close to where Mr Bleriot crash-landed after his 36-minute flight, in the shadow of Dover Castle.

Mr Carlson, an airline pilot and owner of two replica Bleriot XIs, said: "Louis Bleriot did something very big for aviation by crossing the English Channel.

"He was not the only one (attempting it) but he was the lucky one who made it, so he made history and this started the flying revolution.

"After this people believed in flying, you could cross continents and water so this inspired a lot of people.

"The Wright brothers flew first but Louis Bleriot did the next big thing and this started flying in Europe."