RAF A400M Atlas performs special fly-over for all-female rowing team on gruelling challenge

An all-female crew taking on one of the world's toughest rows – a 2,000-mile circumnavigation of Great Britain – received a special flying visit from an A400M Atlas.

The RAF aircraft flew over Team Ithaca, who are rowing continuously and unsupported as part of the GB Row Challenge – in which when they reach the finish they will become the first team of six, male or female, to have ever completed the feat.

Team Ithaca will have to contend with fast-turning tides, unpredictable UK weather, a rocky coastline and busy shipping areas, a great test of endurance, strength and skill.

• HMS Oardacious become fastest-ever military team to row 'world's toughest' Atlantic challenge
• Soldiers complete the 3,000-mile 'world's toughest row' challenge despite losing three oars
• Military team takes on 'world's toughest row' from mainland USA to Hawaii

Flown by 30 Squadron, based at RAF Brize Norton, the A400M Atlas aircraft even managed to capture some images of Team Ithaca's crew looking delighted at the unique fly-over.

As well as raising money to help people who have had a cancer diagnosis – through CanRehab Trust – on their journey Team Ithaca will be collecting data to be used to assess the environmental damage and long-term impact of pollutants in our seas and oceans, contributing to the largest dataset of its kind for UK seas.