Adventurer plans round world row

Oliver Hicks completed his row across the Atlantic in 2005

An adventurer who was the youngest person to row solo from America to Britain now plans to be the first to row single-handedly around the world.

Oliver Hicks, who comes from Suffolk but now lives in Henley-on-Thames, was welcomed home by his friend Prince William after his last challenge.

Now the 25-year-old is planning to row about 15,000 miles (24,140km) in a voyage that could take up to two years.

He plans to set off from Wellington, New Zealand, in the New Year.

The wildlife will also pose a potential threat to my boat in the form of sharks, Orcas and other large whales Oliver Hicks

He will be travelling along the line of 50 degrees south latitude - through some of the most dangerous seas on the planet.

"The basis of the voyage is to utilise the favourable currents and winds in the Southern Ocean to speed my progress," said Mr Hicks.

"I will also need to keep an eye open for icebergs both large and small - although the larger bergs are visible from space so I will be able to track them long before I see them.

"The wildlife will also pose a potential threat to my boat in the form of sharks, Orcas and other large whales as well as the highly predatory leopard seal," he added.

The £550,000 expedition's boat will be built like "the proverbial brick outhouse," said Mr Hicks.

The self righting rowing boat will incorporate Kevlar sheathing - used in bullet proof vests.