TWO kayak enthusiasts from Kent have paddled their way across the English Channel in under six hours.

Civil engineer Mike Humber and management consultant Travis Spencer battled against rough seas towards the end of their crossing as they reached the French coast near Cap Griz Nez.

The pair, both from Broadstairs, left St Margaret’s Bay at Dover to fulfil a dream and raise money for Cancer Research and Arthritis Research charities.

They achieved both - completing their journey in five hours 26 minutes and 36 seconds and raising more than £2,500 so far. Sponsorship and donations are still coming in.

It was a journey that began when the pair started to take in long rivers trips as an alternative to kayaking along the coast - and the next logical step was the 22 miles across one of the busiest shipping lanes in the world.

Mike said: "Once we decided to go for it we stepped up our training and were in pretty good shape. The crossing was fine for the most part but about six miles from France the weather turned and the seas were pretty rough."

There was no welcoming party to celebrate the triumph though. Mike said: "It was low key. After we stretched out legs we paddled back to our support boat and returned to England.

"We want to thank everyone who supported our crossing and those who have donated to the charities."

Now the pair are planning for a further kayak adventure. Mike said: "We are not sure just yet what and where it will be but it will be a bigger challenge than the Channel."