A MAN aiming to break the speed record for rowing across the Atlantic has completed a 12-hour row to raise awareness of his challenge.

Dan Howie, 27, and Will North have begun training to row 3,000 miles in the Talisker Whisky Atlantic Challenge race from the Canary Islands to the West Indies.

They aim to break the record of 39 days, three hours and 35 minutes, set by a crew of four in 2006.

Mr Howie, whose parents live in Little Smeaton, North Yorkshire, said the 12-hour row, in Northallerton, went well and raised about £1,500. He said: “I had amazing support from the people of Northallerton.

“Twelve hours is the longest I have done in one go and it felt really good, I felt like I could have done it again.”

Team Atlantic Row 2013 is supporting Cancer Research, Leukaemia and Lymphoma and St Anna’s children’s home and school, in Ghana, and hopes to raise more than £200,000 for the charities.

To donate, visit atlantic row2013.com/250-club