WORLD record-holding septuagenarian water skiier Chas Phipps is launching a daring fundraising mission for Severn and Area Rescue Association (SARA) on Saturday, January 28 at his pub, Whitecroft’s Royal Oak Inn.

Chas, now 77, once waterskied for 473 miles without stopping and plans to raise money for SARA by getting people to guess how long he can hold on for as he skis the River Severn.

A spokesperson for SARA said: “Chas will water ski behind a fully refurbished 1980s Driver Boat – a replica of the very craft from some of his previous world records – for as long as he physically can, with guesses being taken on how many miles can he go. The closest guess receives a prize with all proceeds going to SARA.

“To raise awareness of the main water-skiing event, we are throwing a big launch fundraiser at the Royal Oak with SARA in attendance for a night of music, a free buffet, entertainment and a charity raffle on January 28.

The event starts at 7.30pm. Tickets are free and available from the pub or via  [email protected]