TWO members of the Kingsbury-based 131 Independent Commando Squadron Royal Engineers have broken the Guinness World Record for the longest continuous crossing of the Atlantic Ocean by rowing boat.

Territorial Army officers Major Pete Rowlands and Second Lieutenant Charlie Martell were part of four-man Team Hesco who rowed the 3,316 miles in the New York to Falmouth challenge of the Shepherds Ocean Fours Rowing Race.

After 84 days of hard rowing and army rations, the team, which also included two members of the regular Army, made landfall at Mevagissey in Cornwall.

An Army spokeswoman said: "Their achievement is immense and unique as most attempts take place east to west to take advantage of favourable winds and currents.

"But that would just be too easy for Rowlands and Martell, who decided to go the wrong way'."

The commandos are no strangers to hard challenges or travel, as they train throughout the world and frequently serve with regular commando forces.

The team raised over £148,000 for the Meningitis Trust, a charity chosen because Major Rowland's 16-year-old son died from the disease in 2003.

The other members of the team were Mark Waterson and Ben Fouracre.

131 Independent Commando Squadron Royal Engineers (Volunteers) would like to hear from anyone aged 17 to 32 who is looking for a challenge.

Squadron members all learn new skills and trades, and all are commando trained, some in parachuting or diving.

There are also opportunities to train as mechanics, chefs and medics, as well as travel abroad.

Members of the squadron are paid the same rate as members of the regular Army and receive an annual tax-free bonus.

For further information, visit the unit at the TA Centre in Honeypot Lane, Kingsbury, or call 020 8238 0804.