A PRISON officer from Portland is embarking on a gruelling 20-hour paddle in a kayak to raise funds for the island’s rowing club.

Epic voyager Tim Ellis will be paddling non-stop from Cherbourg in France to Portland Marina this weekend.

It is a reverse attempt at the challenge he successfully undertook three years ago when he kayaked with friend Eddie Ette from Portland to Cherbourg.

Mr Ellis, 54, of Fortuneswell, who is head of reducing re-offending at Dorchester Prison, said he was looking forward to arriving in his own country and with a reception.

He added: “I’m doing it to raise funds for Portland Rowing Club of which I’m a founder member.”

The endurance athlete said his secret ‘fuel’ for the 73-mile journey was tinned peaches and rice while one of the biggest challenges would be getting across the Shambles, a tidal race, off Portland.

Earlier this summer, Mr Ellis made an appeal for the support of a safety boat after his previous plans fell through.

Skipper Richard Way stepped forward and, together with crew Steven Ives and Jock Frasier, he will be ensuring Mr Ellis makes the cross-Channel trip safely.

The team will be departing in the early hours of Friday or Saturday, depending on the weather conditions.

David Ferris, chairman of Portland Rowing Club, said: “Tim Ellis, Portland’s intrepid kayaker is paddling from Cherbourg to Portland on August 20, 21 or 22, weather permitting.

“It’s quite a feat, he will be setting off at about 2am from France and getting back to Portland in the evening the same day.

“The safety boat is being provided by Richard Way and crewed by Steven Ives and Jock Frasier.

“The tides and weather are being sorted out in the next couple of days and with a double high pressure coming in it should be all systems go.

“All proceeds and benefits from this will be going to Portland Rowing Club for children’s oars, lifejackets and safety equipment.”