A TEENAGER rowing across the Atlantic as part of a four-woman crew is battling to make up time in a bid to beat two world records.

Bolton School pupil Rachel Flanders, aged 17, is the youngest member of the group taking part in this year's Woodvale Atlantic Rowing Race.

When the women set off from La Gomera in the Canary Islands on December 3, 2007, they were hoping to knock seven days off the all-female record for the 3,000 mile journey, which stands at 67 days, seven hours and 20 minutes.

However, they are only making slow progress because they do not have the benefit of the trade winds behind them which can double the number of miles they can cover in a day.

Rachel's dad, Richard Flanders, said: "Rachel is very competitive. She wants to beat the record and is getting very frustrated that they might not be able to."

In recent days Rachel has had to clean the bottom of the boat, to stop barnacles from slowing it down further.

The crew has also had to battle with fish jumping out of the water and hitting them and the boat.

Providing they arrive in English Harbour, Antigua, Rachel will still set the record for the youngest person to row the Atlantic.

The team is trying to raise £250,000 for three cancer charities. To sponsor them visit www.atlantic-angels.co.uk and click on "getting involved".