A FORMER sailor from Burnley is aiming to set a world record by making his way around the coast of Britain in a motorised scooter travelling at just 8mph.

John Duckworth, 46, set off from Land's End on May 5 and will complete 5,000 miles by the time he returns to Cornwall in August for the end of the round Britain trip.

He has been joined by fellow scooter rider Simon Parrott. They hope to raise up to £10,000 for the Shopmobility shop in their home town of Plymouth.

The friends, who both served in the Royal Navy, met at the shop where they both work.

John, who grew up in Burnley before heading for a life on the ocean wave at 16, is no stranger to adventurous trips.

Two years ago he completed more than 3,000 miles around Shetland, the Orkneys and Scandinavia.

The former St Stephen's and Barden School pupil, who was also a member of Burnley Sea Cadets, said of his bid to get in the Guinness Book of Records: "We wanted to do something to raise some money for the Shopmobility branch in Plymouth. After the North Sea trip we thought about going round the coast.

"We were aiming to make it to Donnington in time for the Mobility Road Show later this month but we made such good progress that we made a detour to Burnley for a bit of rest and recuperation with the family."

John served in the Royal Navy for 20 years between 1974 and 1994 before leaving with osteo-arthritis.

He is driving the support van while Simon, who was given a medical discharge from the navy after a motorbike accident, makes his way in his scooter.

After the pair reach Donnington, John will take over scooter duty with another driver taking the wheel of the van.

He said: "The trip is going very well so far and we are making great progress, although we could do with some help with our costs.

"I've been all over the world with the navy, but this is something a bit different.

"You certainly need a sense of humour but it's all in a good cause."

Anyone who can help John and Simon with costs should call on 07970180310.