AN exhausted father and son are back on terra firma following an 11-day, 284-mile canoe challenge.

Ian Styles, 58, and his son Michael, 18, paddled from Bristol to London and back to raise around £2,000 for Breast Cancer Now.

Ian said: "It was physically demanding - we were getting up at 4.30am some days and didn't stop until about 7.30pm.

"One day we had to negotiate 25 locks, which takes time, and the weather was sawful - it rained every day except the last one."

They were put up by people on three nights, but the rest of the time selpt under canvas.

Ian said the highlight was seeing so many herons, kingfishers, buzzards and red kites.

He added: "We had a bit of an adventure on the Kennet and Avon Canal, when a boat broke free from its moorings and caused a lot jam.

"We jumped on and secured it.

"The kindness and community spirit of people living on the waterways was incredible.

"We were given tea, cake, biscuits, chocolate and sponsorship money."

You can still sponsor Ian and Michael - text CANU66 with the amount to 70070.