Accrington and Chorley men become first people in history to row 3,700 miles from New York to London

Matt Mason lights a flare as the team row down the Thames

Greeted by hundreds of family and friends on Wednesday as they rowed their way under Tower Bridge after an incredible 71 days at sea, the four lads - Matt Mason from Clayton-le-Moors, Jordan Swift from Chorley, Ian Clinton from the north east and Simon Chalk from Devon - let off flares as their 3,700 mile row across the North Atlantic came to an emotional end.

The boys, all former or still serving Royal Marines, took on the challenge to raise money for the Royal Marines Charity and Ocean Generation, in the hope of increasing awareness about the need to protect our oceans.

Simon Chalk, Jordan Swift, Matt Mason, Ian Clinton

And they even got a shout out from the Prime Minister, Boris Johnson, who tweeted: "Inspiring to see the Ocean Revival 2020 team cross the finish line of their epic 3,700 mile row from New York to London.

"You've done this country proud and raised huge funds for Ocean Generation and the Royal Marines charity in the process.

"Congratulations."

Inspiring to see the @RevivalOcean 2020 team cross the finish line of their epic 3,700 mile row from New York to London.

You've done this country proud and raised huge funds for @oceangen_ and @theRMcharity in the process.

Congratulations.

— Boris Johnson (@BorisJohnson) August 11, 2021

Skipper, Matt Mason said crossing the treacherous North Atlantic - dubbed the world's most dangerous row - was a real test of patience, determination and resilience.

He said: "The North Atlantic threw everything at us and unsurprisingly recorded its fourth most active year for weather systems since records began.

"We had 65 knot winds, and at points 8-10 metre swells, Arctic blasts from the north counter currents, near misses with shipping…you name it, it felt like we got it.

"Of the 71 days spent at sea, we spent more than 24 days on para-anchor, a safety device that holds the boat in adverse weather that is against you, locked in two tiny cabins completely helpless to what is happening. You are literally at the mercy of the ocean.

"It also offered us some incredible moments with regular visits from dolphins and whales and incredibly beautiful sunsets and rises.

"The entire team gained a new found respect for the ocean and mother nature in both its beauty and ferocity.

"Our oceans are a lifeline and the earth's lungs - teaming with life that must be looked after.

"Humanity should take the stewardship of our oceans seriously with a focus of sustainability and protection, if the fragile marine ecosystems fail, we will."

The team have managed to raise more than £60,000 for the two charities and have been supported by a number of sponsors including many businesses from across East Lancashire.