Six men from Surrey yesterday set a world record in rowing a traditional-style Thames skiff from Gloucestershire to Southend in less than two days.
The Dittons Skiff and Punting Club rowers expect to enter the Guinness Book of Records after setting the world record for rowing the 185 miles from Lechlade Bridge, Gloucestershire, to Southend Pier, in just under 31 hours.
Although this has still to be confirmed, it is well under the previous record of 38 hours and 43 minutes.
The men are all from the Dittons Skiff and Punting Club and are raising money for 2 local Surrey charities, Cherry Trees and the Crescent Resource Centre in Kingston.
They are also supporting Bliss (which cares for babies during pregnancy and at birth) and the Alzheimer's Society.
After setting off from Gloucester at 3am on Friday, the crew reached Southend Pier just before 11am yesterday.
Speaking before setting off, Club president Simon Leifer, who also rowed, said training had gone to plan and the crew were hoping for strong support from the riverbank.
"We know that so much will depend on our support teams and last but not least the weather!"
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