Russian balloonist Fedor Konyukhov has claimed a new round the world record of 11 days.

Support crew member Steve Griffin says his balloon this morning passed directly over the airfield at the Australian town of Northam where he began his journey on July 12.

American Steve Fossett also started from Northam to set a record of 13 days and eight hours for his 21,000-mile journey in 2002.

Mr Konyukhov has taken roughly 11 days and six hours.

The Swiss-based World Air Sports Federation did not immediately respond to a request for confirmation of the new record.

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