Two novice kayakers from Pembrokeshire recently embarked on a challenging trip to northern Canada to take part in the Yukon River Quest.

Described as 'the longest endurance marathon canoe and kayak race in the world', the Yukon River Quest, which takes place not far from the Arctic Circle, is an adventure challenge that only the most durable of paddlers would contemplate.

However, with only a mere eight weeks of proper preparation and training, Richard Lain, of Freshwater East, and Ben Peach, of Quadra Boats in Neyland, astounded other participants in the race with their achievement.

With the mission statement for the race being 'to challenge paddlers in a world class wilderness event - a race to the midnight sun', Richard and Ben certainly took up the challenge, paddling 470 miles in 60 hours and finishing a highly respectable 30th out of the 71 teams that took part.

Richard called the experience "an amazing adventure" and said that the challenge had inspired the pair to take part in the race on a more competitive level next time.

Through The Georges, Haverfordwest, and Lamphey Court Hotel, the pair also managed to raise a magnificent £700 for research into breast cancer and Crohns disease, and would like to thank everyone who made a donation.