Guernsey swimmer begins English Channel record attempt

A retired Guernsey surgeon has begun his attempt to become the oldest man to swim the English Channel.

Roger Allsopp, 70 last April, was forced to wait a week with weather conditions delaying his attempt several times.

He set off from Shakespeare Beach in Dover at 08:00 BST, having told the BBC any further delay would mean having to postpone the attempt for weeks.

The current world age record stands at 70 years and four days.

At 17:10 BST, it was reported Mr Allsopp had just passed the half-way point, and swimming conditions were good.

Mars Webb, Mr Allsopp's support team spokeswoman, said the delays had produced a strange quirk of timing.

She said: "It's five years ago today that he did his last record, so I think it's a perfect omen."

She also told BBC News that Mr Allsopp must swim back to his support boat at the end of his attempt for it to be declared an official record.

Mr Allsopp became the oldest Briton to achieve the feat in 2006, at the age of 65.

He has used his latest attempt to raise money for a cancer research team in Southampton.
(from BBC)

congratulations to the oldest channel swimmer in town xx

Well done you are a star! it give old agers something to do in their spare time i suppose .but how many would even think of doing it. ..