Army doctors set rowing world record

Two British Army doctors were welcomed home with a flypast and a flotilla of boats as they set a world record for rowing around Great Britain.

By The Newsroom

Published 2nd Jul 2010, 11:18 BST

Updated 2nd Jul 2010, 11:18 BST

Captains Hamish Reid and Nick Dennison, of the Royal Army Medical Corps, set off in mid-May, aiming to become the first pair to row non-stop and unsupported around the British mainland.

The pair crossed the finish line on the Solent near the entrance to Lymington Yacht Haven, Hampshire, at about 3pm yesterday after 50 days and five hours at sea in aid of service charities.

Capt Dennison said: "It's absolutely wonderful to be back and to have the navy turn up with a helicopter and the RNLI with a lifeboat is very special. My legs are a bit wobbly now but it's great to be back on terra firma."

The 28-year-old said there were points when they feared they would not be able to complete the challenge. "There were a few low points especially off south-east Ireland as the wind blew us from the north for several days and we were concerned we wouldn't have enough time and food to finish."