COMPANY boss Dale Winfield has handed over more than £4,500 to charity despite being forced to give up a seafaring challenge.

Dale, who owns Winfields shopping complex at Haslingden, raised the money though taking part in the first ever Round Britain RIB Rally in May.

The challenge involved sailing around the country in a rigid inflatable boat, but Dale and his four fellow crew were forced to abandon their quest on the second day.

He said: "The first part of the journey was fine, quite a swell on the sea, but as we progressed the weather began to worsen and the sea became heavy.

"The conditions gradually declined, the sky got darker and darker and a 60mph wind began to soar.

"To make things even worse, there was thunder, lightning, torrential rain and limited visibility. Later on we learned that these conditions had caused around 100 sail boats to blow over on their sides."

The crew had to carry out emergency repairs to a smashed windscreen and damaged navigation and steering.

They were eventually forced to give up the challenge when the boat's bottom split in three places.

But they enjoyed some rare sights during their brief stay at sea.

Dale said: "As we approached Falmouth on the first day we came across, a number of dorsal fins protruding from the water.

"We eased off the power and circled what turned out to be a group of basking sharks that were longer than our boat.

"On day two we were treated to some more wildlife sights as a school of dolphins accompanied alongside the boat for a little while."

Dale went on: "Looking at all the damage though we realised that the challenge was coming to an end and were disappointed as we were looking forward to completing the challenge.

"On a positive note however we all enjoyed ourselves and thanks to our supporters' generosity the total amount of money raised is £4,520."

In a presentation held at the store in Blackburn Road, £2,520 was presented to Rossendale Hospice, £1,000 to Christie Hospital and £1,000 to the Burnley, Pendle and Rossendale branch of SCOPE.

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