WITNEY resident and former England polo captain Henry Brett has described the “frightening” conditions is facing in one of the world’s toughest endurance challenges.

Mr Brett, 39, is part of the four-man ‘Atlantic Polo Team’ – a group of professional polo players – who are taking part in the Talisker Whisky Atlantic Challenge.

The race, which began on December 4, is seen as one of the world’s toughest endurance challenges.

Teams take 36 to 45 days to row roughly via the equator from the Canary Islands, west of Africa, to Antigua in the West Indies.

They never leave the boat and must rely on supplies and equipment stowed in the seven-by-two metre (22ft x 6ft 6ins) vessel. Their only connection to the outside world is a satellite phone.

Mr Brett said conditions had been tough and he had been washed overboard by a 35ft wave, before dragging his way back to the surface.

He said: “The experience of being dragged underneath the boat in rough seas and waves from all directions is something I never wish to repeat again.

“I knew I wouldn’t know what to expect but this certainly is putting us all to the test both mentally and physically.

“We endure sea sickness, blisters and claustrophobia combined with sleep deprivation and hunger.

“This is a huge challenge and the biggest, most frightening thing we have ever done.”