Norman Butler from Swindon is planning to visit Barbados - but it won't be until October 2001. He's going to have to row the 3,000 miles to get there, and he hopes to make lots of money for the NSPCC.

The 34 year old commercial analyst with the Early Learning Centre has teamed with prison officer Chris Higgins, 44, from Gloucester to take part in the Ward Evans Atlantic Rowing Race.

Up to fifty teams have entered. All will row boats built by the oarsmen from standard issue kits, which will be closely scrutinised before the race starts to ensure they are constructed correctly and have the required safety equipment.

"This is the ultimate challenge," said Chris. "We're going to be competitive; with favourable conditions the row should take about 60 days. The long time scale is needed to build the boat, raise the money and prepare ourselves physically and psychologically. We'll be out in the Atlantic without any close support, reliant on our pre-race planning and on our ability to get on with each other."

The team will be organising many fundraising events over the next eighteen months and are looking for business supporters and individual sponsors. Once race entry costs have been met, all sponsorship will be given to the NSPCC.

They are very keen to hear from schools interested in following their progress. To find out more, call Norman Butler on (01793) 882197.