Ex-serviceman prepares to set off on world-first trip swimming across the Atlantic

A former serviceman who hopes to become the first person to swim across the Atlantic Ocean has described his nerves as he prepares to set off.

Ben Hooper hopes to raise a million pounds for good causes with his epic journey, which will see him swim nearly 2,000 miles from the coast of Senegal to the shores of Brazil.

He expects to front crawl for up to ten hours each day in a trip due to last 140 days – a little over four-and-a-half months.

The former British Army serviceman told ITV News that he’s expecting to face the “good, bad and ugly” in an interview from Dhakar as he prepares to set off.

"Just here alone I've already got a couple of scars from some debris and jellyfish and that's just a taster of what I'm in for," he said.

Mr Hooper credited his eight-year-old daughter as his "inspiration" who will keep him gong through the gruelling journey.

And he added that she could be following in his wake after displaying a talent for swimming.

"Adam Peaty needs to be worried because her breast stroke is phenomenal and she's only eight!"

Mr Hooper is raising money for four good causes, ranging from a fund to support a seriously ill child to the anti-addiction charity Addaction.

It's also possible to follow his progress through his website.