A TEAM of north Pembrokeshire rowers conquered the Irish Sea last Monday (July 7) in a bid to raise money for two local charities.

They set off in their longboat from the Rosslare Harbour in the morning and arrived at Newport Boat Club 13 hours 53 minutes and 48 seconds later.

Flying under the banner Beauty and the Beasts, the seven man and one woman crew were joined by a support boat and a safety boat on their 60 mile challenge.

The team was made up of Robert John, Pete Fletcher, Malcolm Clash, Trevor Holland, Gary Crane, David Belsham, Andrew Nelmes and Sea Trust’s science and education officer Hannah Harries.

Together they hope to raise £15,000 for Sea Trust and Newport Memorial Hall. They are already well on course having collected more than £9,000.

Hannah said it was an amazing experience.

“We made the decision to postpone the row until Monday due to the weather and it was definitely the right decision. We couldn't have asked for better conditions, it was gorgeous out there with flat seas and sunshine the entire crossing.

“As we came past Strumble we hit the outgoing tide which was pretty tough work but we kept going and finally passed by Fishguard into Newport Bay just as the sun was setting."

Hannah added: “We owe a big thanks to the two support boats, as well as the RNLI in Rosslare Harbour for their hospitality and Stena Line for their support.”

If you would like to donate to the cause visit www.giving-back.co.uk/sea-trust-c.i.c./personal-challenge/fundraiser_4826.asp