The Power of Positive Thinking was the theme of a talk by Swindon commercial analyst and Atlantic rower Norman Butler, pictured left, at the Swindon Chamber of Commerce President's Quarterly Luncheon.

In 2001 he and Phil Scantlebury set off to row 3,143 miles in a boat they built themselves, the Spirit of Swindon, but Norman finished the voyage alone after his shipmate gave up two thirds way through.

"If you really believe you can do something, then you can," he told members and their guests.

"The biggest obstacle to such a venture is actually getting to the starting line and having the right equipment."