A LIFE on the ocean waves is beckoning a Gwent police officer - after he won a competition to join a round-the-world yacht race.

Detective Constable Willie Duggan, who is stationed at Ebbw Vale, will be joining the leg of the Blue Water Challenge from Southampton to the Caribbean in September next year.

A dozen 72ft yachts with crews of 18 - all volunteers except for the professional skippers - are taking part in the race.

The race will take between 22 and 28 days and has been described by experts as "an epic voyage of achievement and discovery".

DC Duggan, whose father taught him to sail when he was growing up in County Wexford in Eire, says he is looking forward to the challenge ahead.

He entered the competition in the magazine Yachting Monthly and was chosen from more than 80,000 entrants.

The 46-year-old detective, who has already started in-depth training in Southampton, added: "I can only describe this as a dream becoming reality.

"I have enjoyed sailing for over 30 years and am no stranger to offshore racing around waters in the UK - but I have also sailed in the Pacific Ocean, having had the opportunity while working in Wellington for New Zealand Police in the late 1980s."

He added: "I know the hard work and training will pay off on the finishing line.

"It is all about team work and commitment."

He says his three children - 12-year-old Amy Kate, Eoin, 10, and William, 7 - are thrilled that he has been chosen.

DC Duggan has in the past received a Chief Constable of Gwent Commendation for Bravery, after confronting a knifeman in Hilltop, Ebbw Vale, in April 2002, and three divisional commendations.

He has also had a Metropolitan Police Superintendent's commendation for his commitment and investigation skills.