Five Cumbrian kite surfers have become the first in history to kite 176 kilometers from Northern Ireland to England, in a journey that lasted 9 hours.

Fraser Dooley, from Ireby, and his four friends have been planning the charity challenge for over a year.

Bad weather Last summer destroyed their hopes of completing the feat,  so this year they have been hoping conditions would finally go their way. Cancelled at the last minute on Friday, hopes were up things would improve the next day.

The group, consisting of John Flynn, Martin Sandwith, Nick Elliott and Stuart Wood, and kitesurfing instructor Fraser (all from west Cumbria) - set out from Cloghy in Northern Ireland on Saturday morning at 9am.

Over the next nine hours they were tested to the limits mentally and physically as they battled against heavy wind, fatigues and open seas and fatigue to cross the Irish Sea on their kites.

A few hours late due to the weather - they finally made it to the Silloth beach at 6pm, to the cheers of friends, family and many spectators.

Nobody has crossed from Northern Ireland to England on a kite, the previous crossing was from Ireland to Wales.

Previously, the group kitesurfed from the Isle of Man to Cumbria, but this time, they wanted to step it up another notch.  Three charities close to them got their support - Maryport Inshore Rescue, the RNLI and local NSPCC.

And as a gesture of support, the Maryport rescue boat escorted the kitesurfers on their last stretch.

Whilst very challenging, Fraser shared it was also very rewarding: "We're all a bit battered and bruised but feel on top of the world. We've waited so long to do it - for me all the way through it just felt like we were going to make it.

"Everyone got tired spells so we had to keep eating and drinking, which is a challenge in itself on a kite.

"The wind direction made it difficult and it took longer than expected but I never felt like giving up."

Thanks to everyone from the group, to all of their corporate sponsors who covered the costs, people who have donated to their causes and those who were there at the end to welcome them.

You can still sponsor the team by visiting www.kitesurfirishsea.co.uk where they will announce a final total of proceeds soon.