BON voyage, Melvin!

That's the cry from well-wishers from both sides of the Atlantic as Tottington builder Melvin Magnall finally fulfils his dream of "Sailing Into the New Millennium."

On Easter Monday, subject to the weathe, he and a 20-strong crew will set sail from Liverpool to re-create the 5,400 sea journey of Quaker Henry Wood in 1682.

The remarkable Trans-Atlantic trip will climax with Melvin canoeing up Woodbury Creek, New Jersey, on July 1 bearing stones from Wood's family home at Brookhouse Farm, Tottington.

He will be met by civic fathers and an enthusiastic audience in Woodbury, a settlement founded by Henry Wood and his family.

The ambitious trip is the realisation of a dream for Melvin who five years ago become fascinated with Wood who fled to to America to escape religious persecution.

So impressed by Wood's fortitude, Bury's latter day pioneer decided to make the same journey.

However, his "Sailing into the New Millennium Dream" came close to sinking after vital funding was denied. But undaunted, Melvin (62) sold his house and invested his life savings to buy the £30,000 sloop, aptly named The Henry Wood.

He also received £10,000 sponsorship from a number of local businesses, including the Bury Times Group, to fund the trip.

As he prepared for Monday's departure, Melvin admitted his only worry now was whether he and his crew would reach Woodbury on time.

"I could do with another week. But I'm sure everything will be fine on the day. My only concern is whether we will reach Woodbury for July 1.

"I am not so worried about the voyage. I have been sailing in rough seas, although that was in a larger boat!

"To be quite honest, I haven't had a moment to myself and the time to think about the voyage."

The journey will consist of six of legs, giving the crew an opportunity to stock up on supplies.

Melvin's destination in Woodbury will coincide with the start of a one-week cultural and sporting festival involving a contingent of more than 350 Bury representatives who will flying out independently.

"This trip will put Bury on the map, it is already attracted huge media coverage here and in America," disclosed Melvin.

"The benefits for the town will be great."