Rob Tilley might be a novice when it comes to kayaking but it did not stop him from taking on a 160-mile paddle down the Thames.

The 28-year-old quantity surveyor, from Onyx Drive, Sittingbourne, is among a team of eight, all new to the sport, who are being sponsored to cover 26 miles a day in six days in aid of charity.

They set off from Lechlade in Gloucestershire on Saturday and were due to complete the challenge yesterday at the Thames Barrier in London.

Speaking before he left, Rob said: “Kayaking the length of the Thames is a great opportunity for me and the team to do something that not many have done, whilst hopefully raising lots of money for a great cause in the process.

“The chance to see London from a completely different angle is exciting although potentially spending 12 hours on the water in a day is somewhat daunting. Nevertheless, it is a worthy challenge for an even worthier cause!”

The team all work at the Victoria Station Upgrade Project. They aim to raise £6,000 in aid of Macmillan Cancer Support.

They are also fundraising for Help for Heroes and Westminster Boating Base, the charity which gave them their kayaking lessons.

• To support their fundraising, visit www.justgiving.com/teams/VSU-KTTC-2015