Emily DennisA university student who had hoped to break a world record by racing a kart around a circuit for 24-hours was left disappointed after rain dashed his chances.Emily Dennis

A university student who had hoped to break a world record by racing a kart around a circuit for 24-hours was left disappointed after rain dashed his chances.

Lloyd de Boltz-Miller wanted to break the world record for the most kilometres covered by an individual in a kart in this time and was nail-bitingly close to reaching his goal before the heavens opened shortly before 6am yesterday .

And with just minutes to go the tension soared as a flat battery meant his kart had to have a helping shove over the finish line.

But despite Mr de Boltz-Miller's frustration, the long hours at the wheel were not spent in vain as he is believed to have set a British and European record for the most kilometres covered by an individual in a racing kart in 24-hours.

The 23-year-old completed more than 1,000 kilometres, covering 1,019 laps of the circuit at Ellough Park Raceway, near Beccles, after setting off at midday on Tuesday and finishing at the same time yesterday. The world record is currently held by a South African man and stands at 1,157 kilometres.

Richard Lock, who owns the circuit, said: 'He was so close. If he had done another 4.3 laps an hour he would have got it. The weather really knocked him. It is still a great effort and his friends and family have been here for him round the clock.'

Mr de Boltz-Miller, from Norwich, dedicated the record attempt to his grandfather Dennis Miller, who is in hospital and could not be there to support him.

'I am really annoyed that I didn't get the world record - I really wanted that,' he said.

'The weather made it much more difficult. I am not hungry or tired, but I think I have cracked a couple of ribs and I have done it with a fractured elbow. So much effort has gone in to this and we were on a par with the world record until it started to rain. It is very frustrating.'

He thanked supporters and sponsors including Steve Ogden, who supplied him with engines, and Tim Gillard, who supplied him with the kart. He added that British racing driver Nigel Mansell had spoken to him on the phone afterwards to find out how he got on.

Mr de Boltz-Miller, who is studying for a degree in motorsport technology at Staffordshire University, was supported by friends and family including his mother, Sarah de Boltz-Miller, father, Wayne de Boltz-Miller, grandmother, Carole Miller, and girlfriend Kerry Ableman. Mrs de Boltz-Miller said: 'Words cannot explain how we feel. I am the proudest mum.'

Mr de Boltz-Miller is raising money for the Spinal Injuries Association and is still welcoming donations. For more information visit www.24hour.org.uk