The man fitted with the world's first artificial heart has been enjoying his new lease of life - with a thrilling ride in a microlight.

Peter Houghton was close to death six months ago when surgeon Steve Westaby implanted the pioneering Jarvic 2000 in his failing heart at the John Radcliffe Hospital, Oxford.

Peter Houghton takes to the air

Yesterday the 61-year-old took to the skies in a microlight aircraft from Oxford Airport, Kidlington, taking in the view of the city from above.

The adventure was just one indication of Mr Houghton's return to health. He has been to Madeira, written a book, called On Death: Dying and Not Dying, and seen the birth of his first grandson.

He said: "It's taken a long time to discover what I want to do with this extra life I've been given. It's so unexpected because last year I expected to die. I am a bit dazed and just have to get used to that.

"Who would have thought, a year ago, that I would be fit enough to go up in a microlight. A year ago, I couldn't walk 50 yards and now I enjoy every day.

"It was such a fantastic trip - taking it all in with the countryside down below and the wind in your face."

Mr Houghton joined record-breaking microlight pilot Brian Milton to help the Oxford-based Artificial Heart Fund raise money for more patients to take part in Mr Westaby's trials.

The Oxford Heart Centre team has been given permission to treat 12 patients with the £100,000 cork-sized pump, which circulates blood.

In June, Mr Milton will again fly his Mainair Blade aircraft to raise money for the Artificial Heart Fund.

He will attempt a non-stop 1,915-mile flight across the Atlantic.

The sponsored 32-hour flight leaves from Newfoundland and follows Alcock and Brown's 1919 route to Shannon, Ireland.

Mr Milton, who three years ago became the first person to fly around the world in a microlight, said: "It may look particularly flimsy, but it's not actually that dangerous to fly this thing."