A NAVY veteran has become one of the first all-amputee team to successfully swim the English Channel.

Former submariner Craig Howorth spent six years serving in Russia and the Falklands, joined four other amputees who all have military backgrounds to brave bitterly cold sea temperatures and raise nearly £3,000 for the British Limbless Ex-Servicemen’s Association.

The team completed the swim in 12 hours and 14 minutes.

The 46-year-old from Bacup prepared for the 22.5-mile relay by swimming in Salford Quays.

Before the challenge, the dad-of-four said: “Getting used to the water temperature is going to be the biggest problem.

“With the tide the Channel becomes more like 30 or 40 miles and it’s going to be so cold. We’re aiming to do it in 13 hours – that’s the average time.

“The temperature could cause problems with our stumps. They don’t have as much circulation as able-bodied limbs.”

Mr Howorth, who was in the Royal Navy from 1988 to 1995, had his right leg amputated below the knee after a bike accident at Lee Quarry in 2004 which left him with a broken back. Mr Howorth, who is now a trail leader at Military Mountain Bikers, based in Stubbylee Lane, said swimming was key to his rehabilitation.

He said: “Swimming was the only thing I could do. I started to walk and took it from there.”

Barry Le Grys, chief executive of Blesma, said: “Craig, Jamie, Stephen and Conrad all worked tremendously hard over many months.

“They are an inspiration to all disabled persons. I would also like to express my gratitude on behalf of Blesma to Giovanna Richards, the team’s CSA Observer, who has supported the team throughout the build-up and the swim itself.”

To sponsor Mr Howorth, visit www.justgiving.com/Stephen-White12.