Dave Cornthwaite only took up skateboarding last year

Dave Cornthwaite, from St Thomas in Swansea, believes it will take four months to complete and smash the world record for long distance skateboarding.

In June he notched up his first record when he skated 900 miles (1,448km) from John O'Groats to Land's End.

Dave, 26, said that feat was "just a warm up" for his marathon Down Under which is due to begin next weekend.

His route from Perth to Brisbane will take him through hundreds of miles of scorching desert and, if he succeeds, will earn him a place in the record books.

I plan to do most of the skating in the early morning because it will be far too hot during the day to do anything Dave Cornthwaite

He has to beat the current skateboarding distance record of 3,000 miles (4,828 km).

Dave said: "I know from the UK journey that it's going to be punishing both physically and mentally but I am determined to do it.

He foresees the main problem will be the heat.

"I plan to do most of the skating in the early morning because it will be far too hot during the day to do anything," he said.

Dave only took up skateboarding in March 2005 but soon gave up his graphic designing job because he loved it so much.

In May and June the former Swansea University student got on his skateboard to complete the mammoth skate across the UK.

Losing skin

He was supported by a back up team and received help for accommodation from friends of guest house owners.

The main problems encountered on that journey had to do with his feet and losing skin on his right heel.

That record breaker raised money for UK and Australian charities and Dave is appealing for sponsors to raise money for his latest attempt.

His Australia marathon is due to start on Friday.