OKEHAMPTON Argyle U16s completed a gruelling 23 hour, simulated row that saw them complete the 346km of the 'River Thames' just before 3pm on Saturday.

They started the row on Friday at 4pm and were expecting it to take between 24 and 26 hours but with a tremendous effort, both physically and mentally, managed to finish ahead of schedule.

The team would like to thank many, not least to the people of Okehampton for their support both vocally and financially as they raised £470 through a bucket collection throughout the row and also through sponsorship. The final amount for this has yet to be counted.

They particularly thank Rob Bass and the King's Arms pub who donated their facilities through the night including refreshments and Mark Annear for staying up all night to make sure the boys were fed and watered. Thanks also to Phoenix Health Club for providing the rowing machine to simulate the row and also a cycle machine to allow the boys to warm up and down during the row.

All money raised will go towards the U16s tour to Manchester at the end of the season.