Rower, 70, on epic 300-mile trip

Mr Worth and his terrier Taz have been sleeping on the boat

A 70-year-old former architect is trying to row from north Wales to London for charity in a home-made boat.

Nigel Worth left St Asaph, Denbighshire, on board his 15ft (4.5m) vessel Wagtail on Saturday, with just his terrier Taz for company.

He hopes to complete the 311-mile (500km) journey to Tower Bridge in a month, rowing about eight miles daily.

Mr Worth, from Ruthin, said: "I've crossed the Channel several times and sailed a lot in open boats."

He is trying to raise £5,000 for Swazaid, a charity he formed five years ago to help children in Swaziland who have lost parents through Aids.

He launched the charity after visiting a friend in Africa and witnessing the plight of many youngsters there.

The whisp-style vessel weighs about 75lbs (34kg) and was specially made for the trip.

The last part should be a doddle as I used to do it all the time in my youth and so know it very well Nigel Worth

Mr Worth took up rowing as a teenager and in later years became an experienced boat-builder.

He said: "It was very easy to build and, weighing 75lb, is quite easy to carry."

He set off down the River Clwyd on Saturday before braving the open sea off the Rhyl coast, and then entering the Dee Estuary.

After joining the Shropshire Union Canal he spent the night at Market Drayton, Shropshire on Tuesday.

His voyage is continuing to Wolverhampton and Birmingham, before entering the Oxford Union Canal and eventually rowing along the Thames to Tower Bridge.

He hopes to complete the voyage by 11 October.

He added: "The last part should be a doddle as I used to do it all the time in my youth and so know it very well."

Mr Worth has been sleeping under canvas and in the boat, but said he also hoped to use guest houses along the route.

His wife Sarah, who owns a campsite near Ruthin, said: "He always wanted an adventure and this is certainly one."