THREE police officers have set out on a marathon voyage which will see them row almost 3,000 miles for charity.

But the men will never take to the water in their bid to raise a substantial amount of money for the Stroke Association.

Inspector Harry Simpson and Superintendent Ian Rowland, from Cleveland Police, are being joined by Chief Inspector Paul Rider.

Their marathon began on New Year's Day and should be take nine months.

Supt Rowland was badly injured in a car crash some time ago, which left him with a form of paralysis to his left arm and leg.

He trains on the rowing machines but needs help from friends to strap him in.

Engineering apprentices in Teesside are working on a project to develop a special gauntlet for his arm, to allow him to use the machine independently.

He said: "I don't think there's enough attention given to this particular problem, which I believe affects more people than ever before."

The Stroke Association is launching an 80 Days Around the World national fundraising event, encouraging people to do physical challenges and clock up miles through various activities.

The trio plan to have charts marking their progress and recording the amount of money raised. They also hope local companies will help out in the fundraising.