HE'S the retired army major who took a homemade boat called Tintanic II on a tour of UK waterways - including the Beaulieu River.

As he began to row through the picture perfect Hampshire village Michael Stanley, 80, was waved off by Lord Montagu, who described him as a "classic British eccentric".

Now Mr Stanley has completed his nationwide charity challenge in aid of Alzheimer’s Research UK.

Known as Major Mick, he travelled along rivers and canals in England, Scotland and Wales after beginning his fundraising adventure at Henley-on-Thames, where he was given a celebrity send-off by Ben Fogle.

Mr Stanley ended his journey by rowing from Hunston Canoe Club to the Chichester Canal basin.

He decided to take on the challenge after seeing friends and family struck down by Alzheimer’s.

A previous venture in his first boat, Tintanic, netted £44,000 for a hospice in West Sussex. He later sold the ramshackle craft, raising £480 for charity in the process, and returned to the water in May in Tintanic II.

Speaking during Mr Stanley's visit to Beaulieu in June Lord Montagu said: "He’s a classic British eccentric but an ingenious one.

“He's such an irresistibly appealing person with this little homemade boat so it’s very nice to host him and support his campaign.”

Mr Stanley's tour is thought to have raised around £9,000.

He said: "I'm impressed by the dedication and enthusiasm of the staff at Alzheimer’s Research UK who work tirelessly to raise money to support crucial research.

"Last year showed us the importance of the incredible work UK scientists, doctors and researchers are capable of, and with your support we can make a difference, to find a cure for this distressing condition."

Ian Wilson, deputy chief executive of Alzheimer’s Research UK, added: "Our vital research is only made possible thanks to our incredible supporters.

"Dementia affects a significant proportion of the population – one in three people over 65 in the UK will die with some form of the condition.

"Fantastic fundraising efforts like this will help us to make life-changing research breakthroughs for people with dementia.”