AN elite group of rowers is closing in on a world record after an arduous journey across the Atlantic Ocean.

Team Hallin, which includes four Durham University graduates, has powered into the last week of its epic physical and mental endurance test.

After more than 650 gruelling hours of continuous rowing, Team Hallin has the end of its month-long challenge in sight.

If the weather holds, they hope to cross the finish line in Barbados by Monday, shaving a day off the existing world record of 33 days, seven hours, 30 minutes.

Team spokesman Martin Prest said: “It will be an extraordinary, superhuman achievement.

“The greatest problems, after nearly a month on the waves, are the extreme fatigue from exertion and lack of sleep, and the ceaseless agony of sitting on the same, unforgiving rowing seat.

“Nothing but arrival in Barbados will stop the pain.”

Since their departure from Tenerife, Team Hallin has seen pods of dolphins, shooting stars, satellites, the space station and 30ft waves.

They have also been hit in the face by flying fish, nearly struck by a 20,000 ton cargo ship, had legs burnt by emergency flares, slept as little as three hours a day and developed agonising sores on their bottoms.

The team row in a watch system, with three of the rowers on shift at any one time.

When off watch they boil desalinated sea-water to rehydrate their food, carry out essential repairs to boat and body and, if there is time, try to sleep before starting the fourhour cycle of two hours on, two hours off again.

Team medic Paddy Thomas said: “The body is amazing, but there is no way to stop the injuries.

“They are going to happen and we have to deal with them when they do, but we must never stop rowing.”

Team Hallin aims to raise £60,000 for Combat Stress, the military charity specialising in the care of service veterans’ mental health.

Team member Chris Covey said: “We are doing this to break a world record and to raise money for a very deserving cause, but, if I ever go near a boat again, just shoot me.”