GUERNSEY’S London-to-Paris rowers have smashed the record. The team completed the challenge – a fund-raiser for the MS Society – at 8pm Guernsey time last night, 79 hours, nine minutes and 23 seconds after setting off from Westminster Bridge.

The unofficial time is more than 10 hours better than the previous record, held by a Jersey crew.

A crowd of about 50 had travelled from Guernsey and gathered on the bridge by the Eiffel Tower to cheer the team home, a repetition of scenes all along the banks of the Seine as people came out of their homes to clap and cheer.

Rowing team leader Colin Fallaize described his thoughts as the boat passed under the bridge and entered the world record books.

‘It has been a journey which has now finished but the journey for multiple sclerosis sufferers continues.

‘I am completely amazed. People have given so much of their time to make this possible and I can’t thank them enough.’

All the team members had different experiences but all were delighted with their fund-raising for the charity and their world record holder status.

Sam De Kooker, at 21, the youngest rower, said: ‘I can’t believe we have taken so much time off the world record.’

And his father Adek said, ‘It was a really enjoyable challenge which was also for a good cause.’

Rob Platts, who spearheaded the organisation of the London Paris Rowing Challenge, was in awe of the team who battled on throughout, tackling every challenge head on.

With hours to go, they knew the record was theirs, barring any serious accident. They then re-evaluated their goals and tried to beat the 80-hour mark.

Rower Lloyd Le Page reflected as he sat beside the Seine, looking up at the Eiffel Tower.

‘Come the end, because we knew we would break the record, we tried to beat the 80-hour mark. The last two sessions we really pushed hard.

‘Team selection was key to the success and, afterwards, I wanted to congratulate and thank everyone because everyone played their part.’

Guernsey Rowing Club captain Joe Paul was undertaking his first major challenge.

He injured a muscle but nevertheless forged on.

‘There were some very hard times when people were questioning themselves and whether the row could continue if the weather got even worse.

‘But they all got on with the job and eventually reaped the rewards.’

Culture and Leisure, minister Peter Sirett today praised the rowers.

‘They have done an incredible job, yet again. I think we will hear more from Colin and the boys and I hope they do do more. They have raised the profile of MS considerably.

‘Now we’ll see if the Jersey boys will come back at them.’