How British duo became youngest pair to row an ocean ...

Two young British men have been recognised by Guinness World Records as the youngest pair to row an ocean following an intrepid journey across the Atlantic.

Luke Birch, of Doddington, near Lincoln, and Jamie Sparks, from Islington, north London, took part in a 3,000-mile Atlantic challenge race, setting off from the Canary Islands on 3 December and arrived in Antigua on Monday - after 54 days of rowing.

The two university students, who were taking part in the Talisker Whisky Atlantic Challenge, beat a record held since 2009 by fellow countrymen Tom Heal and Will Smith, who were both a few months older.

Jamie and Luke, aged 21 years 327 days and 21 years 153 days respectively when the journey started, undertook the challenge to raise money for their chosen charity Breast Cancer Care and have so far raised more than £309,000 - well above their original £150,000 target.

The Talisker Whisky Atlantic Challenge is widely regarded as the world's toughest rowing race.

The two friends completed it in 54 days, five hours, 56 minutes and 26 seconds - finishing fifth overall and second in the pairs.