A TROWBRIDGE rower will battle across the Atlantic Ocean next month, with five other men, in an attempt to cross it in less than 30 days.

Simon Brown and a specially selected team featuring former World Champ- ionship rowing medallists, will attempt to break the world record by rowing 3,500 miles from Morocco to Barbados.

The 37-year-old, from Paxcroft Mead, will leave on January 1, weather permitting, after weeks of arduous training at the Bradford on Avon Rowing Club.

He has been a member of the club since he was six.

Mr Brown, who used to work for George Brown and Sons fruit and vegetable sellers in Trowbridge, said: “Rowing runs in my family and has been a passion of mine since I was very young.

“My dad, Jim, was the captain at the rowing club and both of my brothers – James and Ali – went on to international medals.

“This is something I have always wanted to do, so I put a lot into the training in the hope of getting a place. When I was told I would be one of the six going, I was delighted.

“Until a few weeks ago, I hadn’t met any of the other five guys. We were all selected from across the country and we’ve been meeting periodically to carry out training together.”

The challenge will be no easy feat, because the rowing boat will have to be light enough to carry them that bit further and quicker.

Mr Brown said: “We are only taking what we really need and we will only have enough food to last us the 30 days.

“If that’s not an incentive to achieve the goal, I don’t know what is.

“Everyone on the boat has a lot of experience, so I am confident that we can do it.”

Mr Brown’s teammates will include Mark Beaumont, who held the world record for solo cycling around the world.

The group will be raising money for Childline and on their return Mr Brown hopes to educate Trowbridge schoolchildren about his expedition. He said: “Many youngsters probably don’t even realise that they have got some fantastic rowing clubs on their doorstep and some very talented people.

“I want to talk to the children about our travels and hopefully to inspire them.”