THE daughter of tragic speed ace Donald Campbell has revealed that she hopes to rebuild his doomed craft and race it once more on the lake which claimed his life.

Campbell died when his jet-powered boat, Bluebird K7, flipped over and crashed on Coniston Water, in the Lake District, Cumbria, as he tried to break his own world water speed record, in 1967.

Earlier this year, the wreckage of the craft was raised from the bed of the lake, and Campbell's remains were finally laid to rest.

Bluebird is now at the Newcastle workshop of Bill Smith, the underwater surveyor and amateur diver who discovered it.

But it has emerged that Gina Campbell, who has twice broken women's water speed records, is thinking of rebuilding Bluebird and racing it at about 100mph on Coniston Water, as a tribute to her father.

The original plan was simply to put the craft's remains on display at Ruskin Museum, in Coniston, with backing from the Heritage Lottery Fund.

But analysis by the Newcastle team suggests that the craft's frame could still be sound, and that Bluebird could be rebuilt to working order.

After being raced for one final time, it would then go to the museum.

Mr Smith said: "We have a team of test engineers to start a survey next week. Then we will do a full test, involving x-rays and ultrasound."

Bluebird's co-designer, Ken Norris, who still designs jet-powered boats, said: "It would be quite a thrill to see it on the lake again.

"It will take a lot of work. There are not many of the old panel-beaters around these days, but as for the engine we could put in an Orpheus, from a Gnat plane, and doing 100mph is well within its limits."

Museum curator Vicky Slowe said yesterday: "The plans are going ahead. We are hoping for funding from the National Lottery Heritage Fund, and so far the vibes are good.

"We have approached a consultant, who can advise us on the issues involved."

Ruskin Museum custodian Mike Humphreys said: "It would require a considerable amount of money and sponsorship."