FORMER Royal Marine Adam Bentley led a team of fitness fanatics to victory in a one million metre rowing challenge and has raised more than £7,000 for charity.

Mr Bentley, 26, who runs Bentley's Fitness on the Hopton Industrial Estate, Devizes, was delighted to smash his 24 hour target and proud of his team that completed the indoor static row in 18 hours, 55 minutes and 18 seconds with four people rowing at any one time.

He said: "The team was unbelievable and battled through the tough challenge incredibly well. It’s really humbling for me to see my members and clients surprising themselves, at how far they can push their bodies.

"I always tell my members, the mind is a magical thing and can overcome so many physical boundaries. I think all the team witnessed this for themselves through the event.

"I was staggered by the time achieved. The whole thing was a huge success with no set backs at all."

The team made up of Mr Bentley along with Alex Carter, Alex Wallace, Becky Brewer, Chris Holloran, Emma Wright, Feisal Sadoun, George Walsh, Kevin Harris, Luke Morgan, Nettie Tyson and Roger Edwards rowed throughout the night.

They started at 5pm on February 10 and finished at 11.55am on February 11 to raise thousands of pounds for both Julia's House children's hospice and the Royal Marines Charity.

Mr Bentley said he had chosen Julia's House as he had heard about the charity's work with sick children. He said: " I truly believe what they do and offer, massively changes many lives for the better in our small home town and surrounding areas, making Devizes a happier place to live and be a part of."

As an ex-Royal Marine he said the military charity was close to his heart. He said: "I admire the work they do for, past and present marines and families all around the country.

Friends and family of the team turned up to cheer them on during the difficult time in the middle of the night and there was a raffle on Sunday morning to boost fundraising.

People can still give until the end of tomorrow by going to www.justgiving.com/crowdfunding/1millionrow