A ROWER from Monmouth is on his way across the North Atlantic in a bid to set a new rowing record.

Rob Munslow, 26, whose parents live in Osbaston, and the three other crew members of the 29ft craft Naturally Best are aiming to set a new record for rowing directly to mainland UK.

They set off from St John's, Newfoundland, on Tuesday morning, and hope to cross the finishing line in Falmouth, Cornwall, in under 55 days. The crew, who call themselves the Vivaldi Atlantic 4, also includes Steve Dawson, 43, from Boston, Lincolnshire; Nigel Morris, 40, and George Rock, 41, both from Ingleby Barwick, Teesside.

As they headed out into the Atlantic their website message said: "It is great to be on our way."

When their craft was unveiled in the UK, Mr Dawson said: "I am very confident, you have got to be. We have done a lot of training. You also need a sense of humour and determination, pure determination." During their voyage, the crew will face dangers from other shipping and the weather.

All proceeds raised through various fundraising events surrounding their adventure will go to their nominated charity, the Meningitis Trust.

The boat was designed and built by Devon-based firm Woodvale Events. The crew were all members of the 2002 Skandia Atlantic crossing attempt which ended after 21 days when their rudder was ripped off in a storm.