THE Lake District's spiritual home of speed is set to welcome some high-powered racing machines once more.

Competitors and officials will travel from all over the world to witness the 46th Power Boat Records Week in Coniston, from Monday October 31.

From the early days of record breaking, which saw Malcolm Campbell hit 141mph back in 1939, to the death of his son, Donald, 18 years later, the lake has always been synonymous with speed.

Records Week is the only event in the power boat racing calendar to bring together all classes of boat since its start in 1970.

From Monday October 31 to Friday November 4, dozens of racers will take it in turn to make history.

The only event of its type in the UK racing calendar that brings together all classes of boat. It is also the only straight-line speed event in the country.

Each pilot is timed over a straight 1km distance, before turning round and doing the same in the opposite direction.

The average speed of the two counts as the recorded run.

Last year's action saw 41 different boats attempt to break records, with 25 world and national records being broken. The fastest average speed recorded was 136.65mph.

The first run of the week is usually around 8am on the Monday with the last run each day at around 4pm. The final run of the week will be at 2pm on the Friday. However, it is difficult to predict when the majority of action will take place, because, as ever, it comes down to the famous Lake District weather.

So if you’re hoping to catch a glimpse of the action, make sure you keep your eye on the Cumbria weather forecast.

The event is free for spectators so grab a blanket and head down to the shoreline to take in the action.