A BUSINESSMAN has won a transatlantic rowing challenge on his first attempt.

After nearly seven weeks in the Pura Vida boat, Carl Theakston received a rapturous reception as he completed the 3,000-mile journey from the Canary Islands to Antigua and has been hailed a "hero" by family and friends.

The chairman of Malvern-based toilet roll and paper products company ESP entered the competition - dubbed the world's toughest rowing race - with three other teammates to raise money for three different charities helping the homeless.

Speaking to your Worcester News after crossing the finishing line on Saturday Mr Theakston, of Worcester, said: "It's been amazing. I am absolutely shattered. I'm very wobbly and a bit exhausted, but it's a great achievement." His girlfriend Emily Darby said: "It's unbelievable. His beard is huge. They are all heroes."

Mr Theakston said after rowing about 70 miles every day it was great to see his family and friends for the first time in seven weeks.

"They were so relieved," he said. "My mum sobbed her little heart out when I got in and my girlfriend was so excited."

Mr Theakston said it was a tough competition made even harder because his team rowed an extra 500 miles compared to the other boats as they tried to pick up trade winds on a different route. However, they experienced unusually calm weather which meant they did not benefit and all four men had to row almost every hour of every day for seven weeks in a bid to finish first. Mr Theakston said during that time they were nearly hit by large ships which did not pick their boat up on their radar and had to endure endless rations of dry-frozen food.

As a result he said he was glad to be back on dry land and celebrated his victory with a glass of champagne.

Mr Theakston and his fellow rowers Tom Harvey, from Bromsgrove, and John Cecil-Wright and Robbie Grant, both from London, have raised nearly £17,500 for the Big Issue Foundation, Crisis, and Raleigh International.

To donate visit www.just giving.com/puravidarowing