A Croydon man is halfway through a 3000 mile ocean rowing race stretching from the Canary Island to Antigua.

As part of a team of four Toby Gould, 39, is taking on the challenge to raise funds and awareness for mental health charities. The expedition is also the focus of research into individual and team resilience by academics from Henley Business School.

The crew set off from the Canary Islands, off the west coast of Africa, on December 12, setting voyage across the Atlantic ocean to the Caribbean island of Antigua.

They are aiming to break the world record for the fastest mix-four crossing from east to west, which currently stands at 56 days.

As of 8am yesterday, the crew had rowed more than 1375 nautical miles, and had around 1330 remaining to their destination.

By day Mr Gould is deputy head of resilience at the London Fire Brigade. Putting his leadership skills to good use, he is serving as the team's skipper.

He is joined by Alison Wannell, 40, from Bradford on Avon, Jeremy Reynolds, 41, from Teddington and Justin Coleman, 53, from Kirkby Mallory.

During their time at sea so far they have encountered a variety of wildlife including whales and dolphins, carried out some on-board DIY with the aid of a hacksaw and a selfie stick, and enjoyed a Christmas Day treat of Toblerone and beer.

They have also experienced the downsides of open sea travel, including sea-sickness, rocky conditions and sore bottoms.

For more information about the team’s adventures, and to see photo and video updates, click here.