A crew of submariners are bidding to become the first Royal Navy team to row the Atlantic with the support of BAE Systems.

The crew of HMS Oardacious will take their place against dozens of others in the Canary Islands when they set off to cross the ocean to the Caribbean on December 12 as part of the Talisker Whiskey Challenge.

The aim is to raise money for the Royal Navy and Royal Marine mental health charity.

Support for the bid has come from a wide range of organisations, including BAE Systems.

The crew are made up of four serving submariners – Lieutenant Hugo Mitchell-Heggs, Lieutenant Callum Fraser, Petty Officer Dylan Woods and Engineering Technician Matthew Harvey.

They have attracted top name support, including from the explorer Sir Robin Knox-Johnson. Sir Robin was guest of honour at a recent event held at the Old Royal Naval College, Greenwich, where the crew showed off their newly decorated craft and raised £87,000.

"It was a packed evening with 320 guests joining us," Lieutenant Hugo Mitchell-Heggs said.

"The money raised is not just for charity, it's for people; donations will enable more work to be done to help those who really need support.

"We're grateful to BAE Systems for supporting us and enabling us to undertake this challenge.

"Without doubt the encouragement of employees in Barrow and Glasgow has been infectious and welcomed by all the crew."