It is a feat accomplished by fewer people than have successfully climbed to the summit of Mount Everest.But for Swainsthorpe's James Robins, the prospect of breaking some Atlantic rowing world records makes him determined to succeed.

Mr Robins, 26, who attended the Langley and Norwich schools, now works as a doctor in Sheffield and is part of an eight-strong team aiming to row 3,000 miles across the Atlantic in a bid to break four world records, including the fastest ever crossing made by human power.

Mr Robins' skipper, Leven Brown, is a regular at The Alexandra pub in Norwich whose landlord, James (Tiny) Little, actually embarked on a solo voyage from the Canary Islands to Antigua 10 years ago.

The team members start their Atlantic mission on Saturday, with the crew divided into two teams of four and each group rowing for two hours on and two hours off.

Mr Robins said: 'We're going to face waves as high as houses and will only ever get a break of two hours at a time; which makes this challenge physically and mentally draining.

'The team each expects to lose two-and-a-half stone in weight during the challenge, which will see them burn 5,000 calories every day.

'The crew seem motivated and highly determined and I can't wait to get going.'

The University of Sheffield medicine graduate aims to raise £20,000 for the charity Neurocare to help buy life-saving equipment and facilities for use in neurosurgical theatres.

The team will aim to smash four world records, including the fastest crossing, which was first successfully completed in 1896.

To sponsor James, visit https://www.justgiving.com/atlanticfantastic/

Have you got a fundraising story to tell? Email locallife@archant.co.uk