ATLANTIC rowers Jan Meek and Daniel Byles were in the limelight again - at a civic reception.

Chipping Norton organised the party on Saturday night to honour its ocean-going heroes who spent more than 100 days at sea.

Former town mayor Jan, 53, and her army officer son, 23, spent 100 days, 18 hours and 57 minutes crossing the ocean from Tenerife to Barbados in their boat Carpe Diem. They were one of 30 crews taking part in the longest rowing race ever staged. Jan was the oldest competitor in the race while Daniel, 22 at the time, was the youngest.

The evening gave the pair a chance to thank Rolie Clarke, one of their main sponsors, who went on to become a project manager. Rolie was presented with a plaque by Jan, who described her as the 'third team member'. Jan said: "I have to give credit to all my friends but from the word go Rolie was really excited and part of it."

The boat was also given a starring role as it was anchored outside the town hall for part of the night.

Jan added: "It was a lovely night. I have been a mayor before and it was nice to be the one who could relax, sit there and receive flowers, gifts and accolades. It was also nice for all our friends who have done an awful lot for it."

Mr Byles revealed how they had rowed at least part of the way across the Atlantic with a hole in the boat. "We wondered why the boat had a slight list," he said.

Debris in the Atlantic or the strong winds which buffeted the boat were thought to be to blame.

The reception was followed by a charity party which raised at least £500 for the Oxfordshire Association for the Blind and the National Cancer Alliance.

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