Man, 77, completes paddleboard challenge

Gary Dyer paddleboards the length of the Royal Military Canal

A 77-year-old man has paddleboarded along the length of the Royal Military Canal to raise money for charity.

Gary Dyer, from Bexhill, completed the 28-mile (45km) solo journey over two days.

He set off from Petts Level, East Sussex, on Friday morning and reached the end point in Hythe, Kent, at 17.15 BST Saturday.

Mr Dyer, who is raising funds for Hastings and Rother Samaritans, said: "When I’m alone on calm flat water, it can be wonderful and meditative.”

Mr Dyer completed the first half of the challenge when he arrived in Warehorne, Kent, on Friday afternoon.

Before setting off on the challenge, he said it would be good for both his physical and mental health since it meant spending time in nature.

"With luck, I might even see a kingfisher or two," he added.

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