CROSS-channel swimmer Roger Allsopp made a belated return to Guernsey yesterday. His plane was forced to circle overhead for almost two hours because of fog.

But a loyal welcoming party, including many fellow sea swimmers and his recipient charity Hope for Guernsey’s committee members, stuck out the wait to congratulate him.

The 65-year-old retired surgeon completed the swim from Dover to Calais on Thursday in 15-and-a-half hours.

Yesterday, he had it confirmed that he was the oldest Briton ever to achieve the swim. Only one other, an American, has done it at an older age.

Mr Allsopp said he felt tired and a little stiff in the few days after the swim, but yesterday he felt on top of the world.

Only one in 10 successfully completes the crossing and he swam in some of the roughest conditions ever attempted.

‘There are certainly easier ways to get to France,’ he said.

Mr Allsopp is the chairman of Hope for Guernsey and crossed the Channel to raise funds for some breakthrough breast cancer research.

Among the welcoming party was the charity’s trustee, former Bailiff Sir de Vic Carey.

Commenting on the flight delay, he said: ‘It looked for a moment like Roger was destined to take 15 hours every time he crosses the Channel.’

Sir de Vic said the swim was an amazing achievement.

‘He is nearly as old as me. It is an example of great strength of character and determination.

‘We hope it raises lots of money for this excellent charity.’

Bailiff Geoffrey Rowland and his wife Diana attended to meet the flight, but were forced to leave before it eventually landed due to another engagement.

Mr Rowland said he hoped to host a drinks reception in the Royal Court some time this week to enable him to congratulate Mr Allsopp on his achievement in person.

Also among the welcoming party were Hope committee members Shelagh Mason and Lara Le Pelley.

Mrs Le Pelley was Mr Allsopp’s personal assistant at the Medical Specialist Group from 2000 until he retired this year.

She said he had spoken about doing the swim for the last three-and-a-half years.

‘It is a fantastic achievement but I never doubted him as he was so focused and determined.’

Mrs Mason said: ‘He is an inspiration to us all.’