The rowers set off on their trip to Paris

by Ruth Banks

Twelve north Kent rowers, who are racing from the Houses of Parliament to the Eiffel Tower, have capsized off Herne Bay.

The upset has left the team high and dry, with the mammoth bid temporarily stalling off the Kent coast.

It's thought the team - part of the London 2 Paris rowing challenge - will now re-start their bid tomorrow.

They are expected to rejoing the challenge from Dieppe, after being ferried over to France.

The crew did not want to make an official statement, but at around 8am this morning, one of the participants, Mike Gilbert, posted a message on Twitter saying: "Sunk! Rather to [sic] much water in the boat last night. Boat sank of Hern Bay [sic]. All crew well, not sure how much recovered."

Later posts described the incident in more detail: "Interesting experience being trapped by the leg under water in an upturned boat, in the dark in rough seas!

"However, I wriggled out, the life jacket worked, and Colin helped get me out. Scary moment that!"

The athletes are from Medway and Gravesend.

It is understood no-one has been hurt and the crew still plan to complete the race.

But, it seems the bad weather has forced them off the water for a large section.

"The plan seems to be bus, ferry, boat to Fa Camp (sic), row to Le Havre and then up Rouen", Mike tweeted this lunchtime.

The London 2 Paris rowing challenge is a 420 nautical mile endurance race, which began yesterday morning.

It was originally expected to last six days, with the participants rowing in shifts.

The North Kent team is raising funds for the EllenorLions Hospice and Macmillan Cancer Support.