THE latest adventurer to take up the Atlantic Rowing Challenge is an ex-Royal Navy serviceman.

Former Highworth Warneford School pupil Tony Day, 56, will fly out to Tenerife on Tuesday.

He decided to attempt the world's toughest rowing race from Tenerife to Barbados when he saw the challenge advertised in a magazine.

"I've always liked a bit of a challenge and some years ago I saw the start of the race and bought a rowing magazine," he said.

"I'm really looking forward to setting off I think it will be a similar feeling as walking up the gangway to my ship which was sailing to the Falklands War.

"The big thing this time is getting to the start line raising the funds, finding a partner, and getting the right equipment has proved to be a challenge in itself."

On leaving school at 15, Tony was accepted into the Royal Navy where he served for 26 years. He was at the wheel of HMS Hermes as Chief Quarter-master when it sailed out of Gosport for the Falklands.

Since then he has been working as a financial advisor for Zurich Services in Southampton, although he says his roots have always remained in Swindon.

Tony is one of several Swindonians taking part in the Atlantic Rowing Challenge.

Julian McHardy, a 43-year-old company director from South Marston is taking part with Mark Williams, 44.

And Norman Butler, 36, from West Swindon is also taking part, as a solo rower in a home-made boat.

The Ward Evans' Atlantic Rowing Challenge, which starts on October 7, has been described as the world's toughest race.

It starts from Tenerife and will end at Port St Charles in Barbados. The current world record is 43 days.

In 1997, 30 double-manned boats took part in the first race. Twenty-four passed the finish line and the other six were forced to pull out early because of mechanical problems, injuries or sea-sickness.

Tony said he had no illusions about the challenges ahead.

"I know it's dangerous but I have been doing first aid and sea survival and I have been train-ing by running half marathons and working on rowing machines.

"Nevertheless, there is a lot at risk."

The challenge will cost Tony around £18,000 and he is looking for more sponsorship.

"I need to raise about another £1,000," he said

Tony hopes to complete the course in 60 days.

"I would like to win but other people have had more time training, while I have had to run a business."

His rowing partner is Ian Chater, 46, who owns the boat and lives in Ipswich.

Anyone who would like to sponsor Tony should phone 01489 581390.