ROWING legend Dave Holby has had double cause to celebrate after marrying his long-time girlfriend and receiving confirmation that he is an official world record breaker.

The 30-year-old, of Long Copse Chase, Chineham, became a feature at The Malls shopping centre in Basingstoke, while rowing around the world on a static rowing machine – a feat that took two years, six months and 20 days to complete.

Six months on, the actor has finally received a certificate from Guinness World Records as official recognition of his epic effort.

And last month, Dave tied the knot with his midwife girlfriend Lara Wolinski at a ceremony in the village of Newton Longville, in Buckinghamshire, near where his parents live.

He said: “It was just a perfect day, and it was lovely that the weather held.”

The couple met as drama students at the University of Exeter more than nine years ago, and have been engaged since October 2006, after Dave popped the question while on a break in the Italian city of Venice.

It didn’t all go to plan though – Dave had to propose with a plastic ring because the one he ordered was not ready to collect in time for the holiday.

Speaking about his wife, Dave said: “I think the wonderful thing about her is she’s just my best friend in the world. She’s the funniest person I know, but also the kindest and most lovely, especially what she does as a midwife. I’m so proud of her.”

Dave, who will now take the surname Holby-Wolinski, hopes to become a sports teacher and will start a distance-learning degree at Loughborough University in the autumn.

He plans to give his Guinness World Record certificate to five-year-old Finley Brown, whose 24-year-old mum Kelly, of Fylingdales Close, Buckskin, Basingstoke, came to know Dave during his challenge, but sadly died of breast cancer in 2009.