A TEAM of Yorkshiremen is preparing to row 3,000 miles across the Atlantic.

Row4Victory, which includes former Sheriff Hutton deli owner Will Quarmby and three others, are taking on the Talisker Whiskey Atlantic Challenge feat in aid of The Royal British Legion and Ryedale-based SoldierOn!

The team departed from Leeds Bradford Airport this morning ahead of their gruelling race across the Atlantic Ocean, which begins on December 12 in La Gomera, one of Spain’s Canary Islands.

The other team members are Duncan Roy, an ex-Royal Engineer from Ingleby Arncliffe; Fraser Mowlem, a serving Chief Technician in the Royal Air Force from Linton On Ouse; Glyn Sadler an ex-Royal Marine from Borrowby.

Will said: “Although it will be tough, we’re all ready for the challenge and can’t wait to start the race.

"It was difficult saying goodbye to our families this morning, particularly as we don’t know when we’ll finish the race and return home - but we’re definitely in it to win it and ready to do them all proud.”

Phil Forster, Aviation Development and Corporate Affairs Manager at Leeds Bradford Airport said: “We’re all delighted to have given the team a good send-off for their flight to the canaries ahead of the race.

"We’ll be monitoring their progress and look forward to planning a winner’s welcome for their return to Yorkshire in few months.”

Sir Gary Verity DL, Chief Executive of Welcome to Yorkshire, said: “The team are facing an incredible challenge, but I know how determined they are to bring home a win for Yorkshire. Best of luck to them, I know they’ll do us proud.”

For more information about the race: taliskerwhiskyatlanticchallenge.com

For more information about Row4Victory, visit row4victory.com