HIGH winds have delayed the British rowers' attempt to cross the North Atlantic, but they are still on course to set a world record.

The crew of Naturally Best, which set out from Newfoundland, Canada, 37 days ago, were hoping to reach UK shores this weekend.

However, strong winds in the past two days have slowed the progress of the five-man team, which includes Nigel Morris and George Rock, both from Ingleby Barwick, near Stockton.

The delays have left family and friends of the two men on tenterhooks and put back plans for a welcoming party to greet the team when they arrive at Falmouth, Cornwall.

Nigel's wife, Elaine, told The Northern Echo: "I think they are exhausted at the moment and having to work for every mile. We think they are quite near to the Scilly Isles, so they are really not far from home. It is hard for them because they are so close, yet the weather seems to be conspiring against them."

The record for the 2,100-mile west to east crossing is 55 days. Elaine said the crew - which includes Rob Munslow, Steven Dawson and reserve rower Garry Smith - was still confident of making it back by Monday or Tuesday next week.

She said: "We have had to put back the celebrations a few days, but there is still a big group of us going down to Falmouth. We want to make sure they get a lovely reception when they come in."