A MAN who single-handedly rowed across the Atlantic Ocean has warned Worcester adventurer Richard Wood he has a tough task ahead.

John Searson, who completed the Ward Evans Atlantic Rowing Challenge solo after his partner was injured, has said the gruelling 2,900-mile gauntlet takes a lot of physical and emotional strength to complete.

Richard now faces the elements by himself and may have to row The Spirit of Worcestershire for more than 12-hours a day after partner Rob Ringer made the difficult decision to drop out of the race.

He felt he could not go on after the pair had been stranded with no contact for two days when their computer messaging system broke down.

Father-of-three Richard was due to set off again today, with a satellite phone as back-up.

"I was determined to work hard and finish the challenge, but it was very difficult," said Jersey-born John, who completed the race in 1997.

"All the time you have to take care of yourself physically and emotionally and make sure you don't get any sores on your hands as it could set you back.

"I had two golden rules while I was out there - no negative thoughts and no fear, despite being in some very frightening situations."

Richard, aged 45, will have to contend with the erratic Atlantic weather as well as the problems of being alone for up to 60 days.

The crossing from Tenerife to Barbados is being done at this time of year as it avoids the hurricane season, but high winds and fluctuations in temperature can still affect the race.

Richard, of Northwick Road, and Rob, who lives in Cumbria, have spent the past three years preparing for the race, and to date have raised £15,000 for St Richard's Hospice.

Neither of them had ever rowed before, but liked the idea of the adventure after taking part in many other endurance sports.

Richard is due to set off today from El Hierro, near Tenerife.