FORMER water-skiing champion Chas Phipps launched a fundraising attempt to waterski the Severn in style at his pub in Whitecroft on Saturday.

Chas, now 77, held world records for distance water-skiing and once waterskied for 473 miles without stopping. He plans to relive his past achievements this spring, on the notorious River Severn, to raise funds for Severn Area Rescue Association (SARA).

Mimi Good, of the fundraising team said: “The evening at the Royal Oak Inn has already raised £300 for SARA with more donations coming in. The target is to go as high as we possibly can as Chas prepares to waterski behind a fully refurbished 1980s Driver Boat - a replica of the very craft from some of his previous world records - for as long as possible.

Richard Newhouse, spokes­person for SARA added: “We’re very grateful for the ongoing support we received from Chas Phipps and the Royal Oak Inn. The team at the pub also presented Mervin Fleming, who has been chairman of SARA Beachley for 10 years, with an award at the event to recognise the longstanding contribution he has made to our work.”