Female rowers' record Atlantic crossing

Rowers celebrate breaking a world record after crossing the Atlantic Ocean in 45 days (PA)

Five female rowers have broken a world record after crossing the Atlantic Ocean in just 45 days.

The group, called Row for Freedom, completed the fastest crossing by an all-female team after setting off from the Canary Islands in December.

Julia Immonen, Debbie Beadle, Kate Richardson, Katie Pattison-Hart and Helen Leigh arrived in Barbados yesterday where they were greeted by family and friends. Ms Beadle, the skipper, said: "We're exhausted and relieved. We've seen nothing but the sea, dolphins and each other for 45 days."