INTREPID rowers from a Southampton Sea Scout group battled against the elements, including a 35-knot headwind, to make fundraising waves for Wessex Heartbeat.

Youngsters and leaders from the Millbrook-based 13th Southampton took part in a sponsored marathon row in a 20ft gig from St Denys to Lepe Beach.

Completed in three stages, Scouts and leaders rowed from Priory Road Hard to Itchen Bridge in 48 minutes.

Explorers Scouts and leaders clocked up one hour and 30 minutes in the next stage to Hamble.

The leaders faced deteriorating conditions on the crossing from Southampton Water to Lepe, which took two hours and 30 minutes.

A group spokesperson said: “The 35-knot headwind prevented any further progress, so the planned last leg to Buckler’s Hard was not possible.

“The coastguard and ABP Southampton were aware of what we were doing and were notified from the moment the crews set off to the point we pulled out at Lepe Beach.

“The total distance should have been 15 nautical miles but due to inclement weather we were forced to abandon the row after completing 11 nautical miles.

“But we did complete two thirds and the crews were very pleased.”

The sponsored row raised £806, which was equally divided between Wessex Heartbeat and group savings towards a new Gig trailer.

A cheque for £403 was presented to George Longhurst, trustee of Wessex Heartbeat, by Group Scout leader Paul Renouf.