Polar sailor enters Russian water

Mr Flanagan is now heading for the Bering Strait onboard Barrabas

A sailor who resumed his challenge to become the first person to sail solo around the world via the polar regions has entered Russian water.

Adrian Flanagan, from near Bicester in Oxfordshire, set off in October 2005.

But after completing 25,000 miles (40,234km) he decided to postpone the last 10,000-mile leg (16,000km) because the Russian Arctic was freezing over.

The 46-year-old left Alaska, where his boat was left for the winter, last week and has completed 100 miles (160km).

The Russian government has granted Mr Flanagan permission to sail Russia's Arctic coast.

He entered Russian water on Monday and is now heading for the Bering Strait, which he hopes to pass through within the next 24 hours.

Mr Flanagan is raising money for Oxford Children's Hospital and Save the Children.