Comic Cruttenden embarks on round-Britain challenge

Hal Cruttenden has joined a team of five other celebrities to embark on a gruelling sailing trip around the UK.

The team – also including One Show host Alex Jones, fellow presenters Ore Oduba, Angelica Bell and Suzi Perry, and comic actress Doon Mackichan – have five days to make the 1,000-mile trip.

They set sail from Belfast at 7am this morning, and aim to dock in London on Friday, having sailed around the north coast of Scotland and then down the east of the country.

And they will be raising money for Sports Relief as they 'battle fearsome winds, freezing temperatures and rough seas'.

Cruttenden posted a message to his sponsors, saying: 'When it's rough I'm going to imagine you're with us even though you wouldn't want to be.'

This is it! We're off! #HellonHighSeas @sportrelief @volvooceanrace pic.twitter.com/PIJAJLLcmV

— Hal Cruttenden (@Halcruttenden) March 7, 2016

Ian Walker, the professional skippering the boat, said: 'When the sea's rough, you're drenched to the core and you've barely slept, even the most mundane daily tasks can seem impossible.'

Their 65ft yacht does not have any fridges and microwaves, forcing the crew to eat only vacuum-packed food. The largest sail, which the celebrities will have to manually hoist, is as big as two and a half volleyball courts.

Weather for their trip is forecast to be 'wintery' around Scotland – with waves of up to 6m (18ft) on the first night – and although severe gales are predicted to hit the UK midweek, the South West, which the crew are avoiding, will be worst hit.

Progress will be charted on The One Show and you can donate here.

Published: 7 Mar 2016