A HONDA bought from Fish Brothers in Swindon has helped set what is believed to be a new world record for miles per gallon.

Honda researcher Fergal McGrath and transport correspondent for BBC South Paul Clifton managed 844 miles from Lands End to John O’Groats on just one nine-gallon tank of fuel in their Honda Jazz, achieving an astonishing 94.8mpg.

The duo had to travel at an average of 40mph in the highest possible gear at the lowest possible speed without using the air conditioning or radio.

Fergal and Paul took it in shifts to make the drive in 26 hours.

They were accompanied by AA Patrol of the Year John Snowling and AA Recovery Patrol of the Year Tony Doran in John’s van, The AA came along to assist in case of breakdown and to warn other motorists of the wannabe-record-setter's presence.

Paul said: "We were certain we would not be able to do this but when we got three quarters of the way, we thought it might just be possible.

“When we got to Inverness the Honda Jazz said 60 miles of range left with 124 miles to go.

"By the time we got to the last 60 miles the gauge said 0 miles left so from then on every hill, every corner driven on slow throttle, we thought we were going to run out.

“One mile further and we probably couldn’t have done it."

The previous world record of 70mpgwas set by a Honda Civic Tourer.

Paul added: "Never in our wildest dreams did we think 94mpg was possible on the Honda Jazz.

“This shows that the new generation of green petrol engines are more than a match for diesel and this fits right in the heart of the current debate on petrol versus diesel engines - when driven carefully, a petrol car can be just as economical.”