AN INTREPID former soldier attempting to break a world record for stand-up paddleboarding has made his way through Dorset.

Jordan Wylie, also an author and star of Channel 4 series Hunted, is attempting to cover 3,000 kilometres in a bid to make it into the Guiness World Records as the first person to ever stand-up paddleboard around Great Britain. The gruelling challenge is also raising money to build a school for refugees from Yemen and Somalia.

The feat has been attempted previously, but to date no one has succeeded due to the extreme physical and psychological challenges it presents.

The 36-year-old set off on his journey on July 26 and has since passed through a number of locations in the county, including Swanage and Durdle Door.

Following a night in the Hotel Prince Regent, on Weymouth Esplanade, the team set off from Weymouth on August 13 and were immediately greeted by resident seal, Sammy.

Despite this, Mr Wylie described this stretch of the journey the most difficult so far, covering just under 60km in unpleasant and at times turbulent conditions.

It's been a challenging journey overall, with Mr Wylie having to endure two jellyfish stings and even recently spending a night in A&E following a collision with a jet ski.

Mr Wylie said: “It has been very tough so far, both physically and mentally.

“No one has every successfully achieved a full circuit paddleboard so we’re very much in unknown territory.

“However, there has also been a lot of highs. I’ve met some incredible people and the public have been amazingly supportive.”

Mr Wylie’s team includes record-breaking sailor Alex Alley, explorer Paula Reid, who is heading up the onshore team, and former military explorer turned filmmaker, James May, who is documenting the attempt.

Mr Wylie added: “The day in Swanage was great; we were on the water for 12 hours and the weather was glorious. It was such a beautiful day. The day in Weymouth was much more challenging.

“We’re currently 560 kilometres into the journey.”

The challenge has currently raised over £4,000 for the school building project.

To donate to Mr Wylie’s cause, visit www.givepenny.com/the-great-British-paddle-2020