A BRACKNELL grandfather and military veteran is part of a duo to have become the oldest pair to row across an ocean.

With a combined age of more than 120, former paratroopers Neil Young and Peter Ketley set off on a 3,000-mile journey across the Atlantic in December.

The men, who have been friends for more than 40 years, travelled from La Gomera in the Canary Islands and reached Antigua after 63 days at sea.

Mr Young, 61, from Bracknell, joined 27 other teams competing in the Talisker Whisky Atlantic Challenge.

He and Mr Ketley, who served in Northern Ireland and the Falklands, have raised more than £30,000 for Royal British Legion Industries (RBLI), Dreams Come True and Support Our Paras.

Mr Young said: "We are incredibly proud to be able to play a role in supporting RBLI in what is the most important year in their history.

"We very much look forward to seeing how they will improve the lives of the Armed Forces veterans with the funds raised."

It makes them the oldest team of two to row across any ocean, beating the previous combined age of 120 set by Pat Hines and Liz Dycus in 2016.

Before their year-long training regime, the Sandhurst Military College graduates had no rowing experience.

Mr Ketley, 62, added: "The challenge was an incredibly difficult, but ultimately rewarding experience.

"Needless to say there were challenging times battling headwinds, significant waves and sore bodies, but knowing we were helping people in desperate need of support certainly perked us up at the low points."

The RBLI is celebrating 100 years of support for veterans and the disabled and the funds raised will go towards plans for a Centenary Village.

This is a £14 million development of specially-adapted accommodation for injured ex-service personnel with an on-site community centre, which the charity says will set them up for another 100 years of veteran care.

Lisa Farmer, director of strategic development at RBLI, said: "We have followed the monumental journey of Neil and Peter over the last 63 days and we are very proud to have them among our supporters.

"Breaking the world record and raising such a substantial amount is testament to their unwavering bravery and support for their fellow veterans."

Visit: tinyurl.com/grandadsatlantic if you would like to donate.