Rower says Atlantic race was ultimate family challenge

Dani and Mark Jones completed the race in 73 days

A man who competed against his daughter and son-in-law in an Atlantic rowing race has described it as the "ultimate family challenge".

Ian Davies from Oswestry, Shropshire, set a record for being part of the oldest pair to complete the crossing.

He finished seven days ahead of Dani and Mark Jones in the 3,000 mile (4,800km) Talisker Whiskey Atlantic Challenge.

Mrs Jones said they were a "very competitive" family.

It was the first time they had rowed across the Atlantic and Mrs Jones said: "It was great fun."

"Luckily my husband and I were great friends before we were a couple."

"It was like a very expensive second honeymoon," she added.

Mr Jones said: "After the first week to 10 days, your life on a small boat confined in that small space just becomes normal."

Being apart from their children and being held up by the weather were the hardest parts of the crossing, he said.

The family prepared for the race together, but competed in separate boats

Mr Davies. 63, took part in the race with his friend Jim Ronaldson and said he was in two minds about his place in the record books.

"Did I want to be in the Guinness Book of Records for being old? No I didn't," he said.

But he said he appreciated it was also a recognition of making the crossing.

It was the second time he and his friend had taken part in the race and he believes his daughter was inspired to take part after watching him finish the first time.

Both Mr Davies and Mr and Mrs Jones raised money for charity with the crossing, but it was likely to be their first and last race against each other.

Mr Davies said "I think I'm going to hand this over to the next generation" and his daughter said: "I've had my adventure over the Atlantic... I've ticked that box."