Warmest congratulations on your magnificent voyage. Welcome home Queen Elizabeth II

A gun was fired as Mr Rose crossed the finishing line in his 36ft pale blue ketch 'Lively Lady' at the Royal Albert Yacht Club, Southsea, at 1152BST today.

And as the weary sea-farer stepped ashore at 1233 BST the Lord Mayor of Portsmouth, Councillor F A Emmery-Wallis, presented him with a telegram from the Queen.

It read: "Warmest congratulations on your magnificent voyage. Welcome home - Elizabeth and Philip."

Prime Minister Harold Wilson also sent a message of congratulations.

Unconscious

Mr Rose and his wife, Dorothy, were then taken by Rolls Royce to the Guildhall where the couple spoke to waiting reporters.

Mr Rose revealed how at one point during his journey he had lain unconscious below deck for two hours after being overcome by fumes as he tried to repair an exhaust pipe.

He said: "I said my prayers quite often on this trip.

"I felt there wasn't much difference between me and eternity. At times my prayers were answered and the yacht and I got through."

When Mr Rose and his wife arrived home at their greengrocery shop in Osborne Road later this evening they were again met by jubilant crowds singing "For He's a Jolly Good Fellow."

Alec Rose, who set sail on 16 July last year, made stops in Australia and New Zealand during his trip.

He had saved for many years to undertake this epic voyage and was given no extra financial help.

	E-mail this story to a friend