Dave, who grew up in Buxton and still works in the town, set off from La Gomera in Tenerife on January 10, arriving in Barbados some 81 days later after navigating the world's second largest ocean in his boat Positive Outcomes.

Dave explained: "I was brought up for about five years in Saudi Arabia so grew up near the sea.

"I sailed it (the Atlantic) 12 years ago and just decided I wanted to row it to become the first person to row and sail it single-handedly.

"I set off rowing on January 10 from La Gomera near Tenerife. It was a weird moment just rowing out of the harbour, off out to sea. I rowed out and that was it really for three months.

"I was rowing all day and sleeping all night.

"You can't stop and get off, you can't get rescued just like that. You would just have to wait for the nearest ship which could be three days away."

He added: "Eighty one days later I arrived in Barbados. It felt great that I'd got there but felt a bit weird too. You kind of get used to being at sea. It was a weird feeling, it was the end of all the hard work and planning.

"I lost three stone (during the trip) so spent a month then just building back up. After three months on the boat, I couldn't even walk very far!"

With only fish and birds for company, Dave, 43, travelled the same route as Christopher Columbus, who made history when he sailed across the Atlantic in 1492.

And Dave's not too far behind in the record stakes – his latest adventure makes him the first person in the world to have sailed and rowed the ocean solo.

And with that feat under his belt, you could be forgiven for thinking that Dave, who now lives in Macclesfield, might want to take it easy for a while and spend some time at home with his wife and two children.

But he's already moved on to thinking about his next possible adventure – involving sled dogs and the Arctic!

All Dave's efforts haven't been without reward, though as the trip has helped raised money for charity.

Dave is still collecting donations which will go to the East Cheshire Hospice, where his parents were both treated. Anyone who would like to donate can do so by contacting Dave on 07971 252 451.