A Kent Royal Navy submariner is part of the team which won one the world’s hardest rowing race.

Petty Officer Ian Allen, 39, a nuclear reactor operator who is originally from Sevenoaks was one of five to complete the challenge which saw the team raise thousands of pounds for charity.

His teammates included Matthew Main, Daniel Seager, Micheal Forrester and Rob Clarke who arrived at their final destination today.

In December, the men faced the daunting task of battling 3,000 miles across the Atlantic from La Gomera to Antigua on their boat, Captian Jim, which was named in memory of a former colleague.

Known as HMS Oardacious, they beat 36 other teams and made it to the finish line in 35 days, four hours and 30 minutes, the fastest time by any military crew.

Skipper Commander Matt Main, from Sussex, described the race as “tough” but great fun.

“It’s a really long way – and I don’t recommend rowing it – try flying it, or perhaps cruising,” he said.

“We had some beautiful times in the moonlight, racing through the night on big waves, great fun.

“But there were also lows, some awful crosswinds when you felt you were making no progress, sometimes it felt like it would never end.

“But overall, it’s been a brilliant experience. It’s demanded a lot of love and tolerance at times, but these four men are amazing. We made a real bond.”

A Royal Navy spokesman added the team burned through 5,00 calories a day during the challenge but raised about £70,000 for the Royal Navy and Royal Marines Charity.

“The submariners rowed in shifts of two and a half hours on the oars, followed by 90 minutes’ rest in the tiny cabins at each end of the boat,” they said.