A GWENT RAF serviceman is attempting to set a Guinness world record this week by travelling the length of the Thames in a pedalo.

Wayne Brinkley from Cwmfelinfach and three friends are hoping to break the record for doing the length of the navigable Thames within six days.

Starting yesterday at Lechlade in Gloucestershire, Mr Brinkley and three fellow airmen will spend 12 hours a day pedalling to complete the 123-mile route.

So far they have raised more than £6,000 for the RAF Benevolent Fund through their challenge.

Mr Brinkley, 32, said: “I came up with the idea in around 2011 but have been planning it since January, I have done all the organising and getting everything together so I’m excited to just get it done and celebrate at the finish.

“We set a target of raising £20,000 and I still think we can get close to it before we hand over the cheque after finishing.”

During the challenge, all four men must remain in the pedalo at all times. Mr Brinkley’s 24 year-old brother Adam, also of Cwmfelinfach, will be leading the support crew.

Speaking about their preparation for the challenge Mr Brinkley said: “It’s been hard doing training together so we have done most of it on our own but we have done a few group sessions and are quite happy with where we want to be.

“Hopefully now we are under way that will encourage more people to donate.”

The senior aircraftsman previously raised around £5,000 for Help for Heroes with two other colleagues in 2009 by driving the length of the UK in a 23-year-old blue mini in 2009. The 3,000-mile drive saw them go from Land’s End to Brize Norton via John O’Groats.

To donate, visit thamespedalochallenge.co.uk