A Swanwick sailor was warmly greeted by Bob Geldof yesterday - after signing up as the first recruit of the Sail 8 armada.

Martin Burtinshaw, pictured, the managing director of a cleaning services firm, said he was prepared to take his boat across the Channel to pick up European protesters wishing to attend the G8 conference in Edinburgh.

He made his announcement during yesterday's press conference at Swanwick Marina and was immediately congratulated by Sir Bob, who shook his hand.

Mr Burtinshaw, who lives near the marina, will be taking his Swordsman 37 boat Fourshaw to France as part of Geldof's flotilla.

It was a spur of the moment decision. He said: "I just came over here to see what was going on and was simply inspired listening to Bob Geldof. He is so articulate and I felt I could do my bit to help. I can pick up six passengers and it will only cost a bit of fuel to do it. So why not?"

Mr Burtinshaw added: "I started sailing when I was five years old and it was a dream to own one of these boats, which is a classic design of the 1950s.

"We are licensed for six passengers and I will go across to Cherbourg to pick them up and return with them to Swanwick. I will also try to encourage other boat owners to help."

"My biggest concern is that the people I pick up have passports because I don't want to be in trouble with the Maritime Coastguard Agency or customs so I'll have to have a look at that. But I don't think there will be problems".

"The Channel is the busiest shipping lane in the world but it shouldn't be a problem for competent sailors who have done it before."

Mr Burtinshaw's friend Iain Fraser of West Meon also volunteered his services and will be taking his motor boat, a Princess 45, across.

"I can pick up a dozen people and will be going to Cherbourg", he said.

Are YOU going to join Geldof's Sail 8 campaign? If so, contact Dave Newble at the Daily Echo on 023 8042 4503.

BOB'S DUNKIRK CRUSADE FOR THE POOR - SEE TODAY'S SPOTLIGHT FEATURE UNDER THE 'MORE NEWS' SECTION.