COUNTY couple have cheered on their son as he nears the end of an oar-some challenge to row across the Indian Ocean.

Tom Kelly should enter the record books next week as part of the first group to row unsupported from Australia to Mauritius.

The 29-year-old and three team-mates are making the 3,100 mile journey in tribute of a friend killed in Afghanistan.

They want to raise £100,000 from their journey, aimed at helping charity, breaking records and gathering scientific data.

Mr Kelly’s parents, from Huntington, near Kington, flew to Mauritius last weekend ahead of the group’s arrival on the islands.

“We’re excited and relieved it’s nearly over because he’s never rowed before in his life,” said Tom’s mother, Marilyn Kelly.

“We don’t know if they’ll get the record for the fastest crossing but they’ll get the world record for first unsupported crossing.”

The Indian Ocean 3100 expedition left Queensland in April and is expected to hit land early next week.

Mrs Kelly said the crew had endured mixed conditions but had also encountered whales, dolphins and an albatross.

The challenge is described as “the toughest rowing race in the world” with only 11 rowing boats completing the feat.

The team are rowing in tribute of their university friend, Lieutenant Mark Evison, who was 26-year-old when he died in 2009.

For details or to donate, visit indianocean3100.com.