SUPER skipper Andy Hindley and his crew have taken the lead in the fourth leg of the world's toughest yacht race.

His jubilant parents are closely following their son's progress on the Save the Children boat as he takes part in the BT Global Challenge.

Andy, 29, is presently in the icy waters of the Antarctic Ocean, near to where yachtsman Tony Bullimore capsized earlier this year. He set sail from Sydney to Cape Town a week ago and the yachts are estimated to dock on April 8. He is now in first place on this leg, which brings him into second place overall out of the 14 boats sailing.

His parents Tony and Dorothy, of Hollins Lane, Accrington, spoke to their son live by video link up, courtesy of BT, two weeks ago. They have not seen him since he set off on the round-the-world journey in September, but are hoping to fly to Boston to meet him in June.

Andy and his crew have currently made more than £300,000 for the charity.

His parents heard yesterday that their son's boat was now lying in first place.

Tony said: "We are following his progress every day and keeping our fingers crossed for him.

"He is now on the worst leg of the journey - the coldest and wettest and the one which sorts the men from the boys.'

He added: "It was wonderful to see him on the video link up. It was so clear. I could even see the time on his watch.

"We're absolutely thrilled to bits for him."

The Global Challenge is currently said to be looking for a doctor or paramedic to join the race crews.

Anyone interested in joining who has sailing experience can contact 01703 212124.

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