RAF pilots battle hunger and sleep deprivation to clinch second in epic rowing challenge

A team of four RAF pilots have finished second in one of the world's toughest rowing challenges.

Team Atlantic Flyers reached Antigua after completing the 3,000-mile Talisker Whisky Atlantic Challenge in 36 days – 867 hours.

The pilots swapped the cockpit for the deck on 14 December to raise money for Starlight Children's Foundation after team member Wing Commander Phil Holdcroft's daughter battled cancer.

• Military teams 10 days into the 'world's toughest row' across Atlantic
• Watch: Polar Preet gets hero's welcome after record-breaking Antarctic challenge
• Former paratroopers become oldest pair to row Atlantic Ocean 

The RAF tweeted congratulations to Team Atlantic Flyers for "battling poor weather condition, sleep deprivation and hunger for a fantastic cause".

The Talisker Whisky Atlantic Challenge saw more than 30 teams row more than 3,000 miles, travelling west from San Sebastian in La Gomera, Canary Islands, to Nelson's Dockyard English Harbour, Antigua and Barbuda.

Watch: Wing Commander Phil Holdcroft speaks of the experience as the 'highlight' of his life so far.

Team Atlantic Flyers, made up of Wing Commander Phil Holdcroft, Squadron Leader Sonny Roe, Flight Lieutenant Simon Berry and Flight Lieutenant Chris Carrington-Smith, were one of three military teams to take part.

The other two, Team Salty Sappers, four personnel from the Corps of Royal Engineers and Force Atlantic, four members of the Royal Army Physical Training Corps, are still at sea and due to arrive in the coming days.