A kayak challenge by two Monmouthshire teachers turned into an Olympic-style battle against rough seas and gale force winds, forcing the intrepid pair to settle for running the last stretch into Cardiff.

The idea was to raise money for the Cross Ash Primary School residential bursary fund.

More than £900 of sponsorship had been received, but Mike Fawcett, deputy headteacher at Cross Ash Primary School, and Dave Barber, a teacher at Woodlands Outdoor Education Centre, were beaten back some distance along the coast after paddling for 51 miles.

"We plan to complete the remaining section from Cardiff to Swansea in the Spring," said Mike.

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"The journey so far has been tough but memorable, but the encouragement along the way and the financial support has been fantastic, I was amazed at the number of people who came out.

"It set us up for all the miles that lay ahead," he added.

If you haven't made a donation yet and still wish to do so the Just Giving site will be live until the end of April: http://www.justgiving.com/s2sKayak">www.justgiving.com/s2sKayak