'Pirate bride' dons bridal gown for Flat Holm trip

It's a pirate's life for him - Taran Tyla completes his challenge

It was designed for an altogether different journey - one involving altars and solemn vows.

But now a wedding gown has had a starring role in a charity voyage.

Taran Tyla, 35, of Sully, Vale of Glamorgan, decided to don the frock as part of a mission to kayak five miles from Sully to Flat Holm island.

The "pirate bride" hopes the stunt will raise funds for a children's hospice.

He said: "I bought the dress for £50 on eBay but a friend told me I'd be a woman's size 10 and they were wrong!

"The dress didn't zip up over my wetsuit and it was pretty uncomfortable. I imagine it's not as bad for women.

"I was trying to go for the pirate bride look just to make the trip a bit more unusual."

Mr Tyla, a wedding photographer, is a fan of kayaking and a supporter of the Ty Hafan hospice in Sully.

So far he has raised £80 for Ty Hafan but hopes to raise more via his web page.

Mr Tyla completed the row on Sunday, setting off from Sully at 5am and arriving at Flat Holm by 6am. He spent the day on the island before rowing back.

He was accompanied by two members of the Glam Boaters canoeing club for safety and support.

Mr Tyla added: "It was a fantastic day. Next I plan to do Steep Holm, which is further out, and then the Scilly Isles, which are about 10 hours away."