Kayakers 'fatten up' for Faroes

The paddle to the Faroe Islands is in aid of the RNLI

Two men have been stocking up on high calorie foods to boost their energy reserves ahead of an attempt to paddle sea kayaks from Scotland to the Faroes.

Former Royal Marine Patrick Winterton and experienced kayaker Mick Berwick plan to set off from the Butt of Lewis on Sunday.

After reaching North Rona, they then face two nights at sea before getting to the Faroes.

Mr Winterton said they were having to "fatten up" before the trip.

Shopping for foods loaded with calories in Stornoway on Lewis, he said: "I'm the only one in this aisle. Having to eat all these high energy foods is fantastic."

The bid - which involves crossing 170 miles of open sea from North Rona to the Faroe Islands - is in aid of the RNLI.

The paddlers hope to make the journey completely unaided by support craft.

Mr Winterton said: "There will be two to three hours each night when it will be too dark to see the waves. Hopefully the conditions won't be too bad."

Self employed chauffer Mr Berwick is from Sutton Coldfield, Birmingham, and Mr Winterton, who has also worked as a broadcaster, lives in Scotland.