INTREPID oarsman Mark Mortimer is preparing to row the Atlantic Ocean single-handed.

Mr Mortimer, who is head of history and politics and master in charge of rugby at Giggleswick School, will set off from San Sebastian in the Canary Islands next January to cross 3,000 miles of open seas to reach Barbados.

The former infantry officer, who plays rugby for North Ribblesdale, will be alone and without back-up for the 60 to 90 day race for the Fairfax Trophy, named after John Fairfax who was the first person to row any ocean solo in 1969.

Mr Mortimer told the Herald: "I have done it before as one of a pair when I was in the Army. I reckon the crossing is 70 per cent mental challenge and 30 per cent physical. I want to do it to challenge myself, to see how I get on alone.

"Last time we got the route wrong and ran into a tropical storm and I am keen to have another go. Also, I just think you have got to do these things. There's lots of adventures out there and I don't want to get to 80 and think I hadn't had a crack at it," he said.

Mr Mortimer and his colleague in the Light Infantry rowed into Barbados on Christmas Day 1997 after 75 days at sea, but their crossing was plagued with difficulties, not least the week-long tropical storm. Their water converter broke on day two and they only had 40 days worth of supplies. The duo caught as many fish as they could and rationed supplies of water, then on day 54 they flagged down a passing Venuzuelan oil tanker which gave them food and water. Even so, Mr Mortimer lost three-and-a-half stone.

Now he faces a fundraising challenge before even dipping an oar in the water.

"It will cost between £35,000 and £40,000 and I am looking for sponsorship," said Mr Mortimer, who spent eight years in the Army.

"The school has been great. They are giving me an entire term off which is very generous and helping the funding, and the boat is going to be called Giggleswick. I will hopefully have a webcam with me and people will be able to keep in touch with my journey via the school's website."

Mr Mortimer is busy training at The Gym in Settle and rowing for an hour three times a week. He is hoping to spend time rowing around Morecambe Bay from the summer in preparation for the race.