The pair hope to complete the race in 40 days

Two rowers from Lancashire have prepared for a transatlantic race with a 24-hour marathon.

Paul Nelson, 28, from Chorley and Adam Murfitt, 31, from Lancaster, took it in turns to complete the full day of rowing at the University of Central Lancashire.

The pair were monitored by sports scientists in preparation for a race across the Atlantic.

The Atlantic Rowing Challenge 2003 starts in the Canary Islands finishes - 2,900 nautical miles later - in Barbados.

The average time for the crossing is 55 days, and the record is 41 days.

The pair started their rowing marathon on Friday night, each rowing for two hours at a time.

We're not just training to compete, we're training to win Adam Murfitt

Scientists at the university's department of biological sciences monitored their rowing pace, heart rates, temperatures and changes in body weight.

During their breaks in rowing Mr Nelson and Mr Murfitt spent time in their boat, the Spirit of Lancashire, at the university, to prepare for life at sea.

Mr Murfitt said: "We're aiming to complete the race in about 40 days, which would actually break the record.

"We're not just training to compete, we're training to win!"