TWO students have broken a world record by becoming the youngest pair to row across the Atlantic Ocean today.

Freddie Wright, 21, from King's Stanley, completed the 3,000 mile Talisker Whisky Atlantic Challenge with friend Jack Galsworthy, also 21, rowing as team Atlantic Castaways.

They set off from La Gomera in the Canary Islands on December 20 and arrived at the English Harbour of Antigua in the early hours of this morning.

The youngsters have raised more than  £37,000 for the Brain Research Trust, a charity which funds research into conditions of the brain.

They finished tenth overall in the Talisker challenge, beating 16 other teams, and completing it in 47 days, 14 hours and 46 minutes.

In that time they rowed in shifts of two hours on and two hours off, overcoming storms, sleep deprivation and seasickness in what is know as the world's toughest rowing challenge.

The pair also faced the first faced the first tropical storm to form on the crossing in January since 1978.

Freddie, who is studying mechanical engineering at Bristol University, said: "We’ve had such an amazing time.

"We’re proud of the record but it wasn’t what we set out to do, it’s really just a bonus on top of what has been an awesome experience."

To find out more about their challenge and to donate visit www.atlanticcastaways.com.