WEST Devon’s own Rowing Marine Lee Spencer said it was ‘the support from home that kept me going’ as he smashed two world records as he crossed the finishing line on his solo row across the Atlantic Ocean on Monday.

On Monday, Horrabridge resident Lee became the first physically disabled person to row solo and unsupported from mainland Europe to mainland America, a distance of 3,500 miles. By arriving in Cayenne, French Guiana, in 60 days, Lee has also remarkably smashed the previous able-bodied record of 96 days, 12 hours and 45 minutes, gaining a second Guinness World Record in the process. He was welcomed back ashore by his wife Claire and son Billy.

Speaking to the Times after coming ashore, Lee said: ‘I’m relieved to have finished it! It’s not just because I’m glad to have finished, but I was so fortunate with the weather the whole time. It only takes one big wave to hit the boat and end it and you’re on the radio called to come home.

'It’s now beginning to sink in just how much time I have taken off the record. It’s astonishing and a great feeling.’

To read the full story of Lee’s amazing rowing efforts, pick up Thursday’s copy of the Times.