FUNNYMAN Tim FitzHigham is kayaking the length of the Thames from Cricklade to Tower Bridge in a paper boat to raise money for Comic Relief.

Tim, a Perrier best newcomer nominated comedian, was inspired to take on the challenge to break a 383 year-old record.

In 1620 an adventurer called John Taylor managed to navigate 40 miles down the Thames in a paper boat before sinking and this time round Tim's target is the full 160 miles.

He set out on his epic paddle yesterday and spoke to the Evening Advertiser while taking a lunch break on the river-bank at The Red Lion pub in Castle Eaton.

The 27-year-old from Little Berkhamsted in Hertfordshire, said: "I read the story about John Taylor and I just thought it was fantastic.

"I'm more confident on this attempt as paper has really improved over the last 383 years. In those days it was made out of deer skin but my craft was made by the very modern Mega Kayaks and it is over 80 per cent paper, with only a bit of glue and a seat making up the rest."

Tim has trained hard in the gym to increase his fitness for the journey and is now glad to be en route.

"It is a great trip to make, the scenery is so beautiful and I've had a lovely response from people along the way," he said.

He hopes to raise as much money as possible to donate to the cause, which is marked by Red Nose Day on Friday, March 14.

To sponsor the origami sailor email your pledge and contact details to paperboat@rednoseday. com