Gary Hunt was at his imperious best as he completed his own personal comeback to secure a record seventh Red Bull Cliff Diving World Series title in Polignano a Mare, Italy.

Hunt,from Eastleigh, pipped the USA's Steven LoBue, who had led the men's standings for most of the season, in front of 70,000 passionate fans at the place where houses rise from the rocks.

Hunt said: “It feels kind of strange, I forbid myself to imagine this moment.

"After what happened last year I said just take it as it comes if it comes and so to live this moment now I’m so, so happy.

"This season has really reminded me how much I love the sport. This place was a great idea to have as a final, because this town loves this sport and it’s a natural amphitheatre for this competition.

"This is absolutely my most special season win.

"It’s just the road I went on this winter, it was a really tough one and made me question myself why I’m doing this and do I want to do this.

"A few tough results at the start. I learned a lot about myself this year and for that reason it’s very special.”