THE quirky New Year’s day bath tub race at Poole Quay has been an annual fixture for decades.

However, one man took it to a completely different level. Tim Fitzhigham rowed across the English Channel in a bath tub.

Now the eccentric adventurer takes to the stage on Friday to talk about his life at sea as part of Mervyn Stutter’s monthly Pick Of The Fringe at Shelley Theatre.

Tim tells the Echo: “This all started from a silly idea where I could raise money for Comic Relief and get people to sponsor and bring this project to fruition. It became a story that was too good not to tell.

“I am not an avid sailor or well versed in the sea, but in 2005, I successfully rowed across the channel in a bath tub. I hasten to add that this was after a failed attempt.

“What would have normally been a challenging 22 mile crossing, ended up becoming a 35 mile fight against the tide to ensure I completed what I set out to achieve.

“This is not just me sharing my experience but how everyone became involved, from family, friends, the government, the royal navy, Clint Eastwood and the queen. It even became a book, All At Sea.”

He added: “I want people to recognise that doing something unusual can become a triumph that represents the best of being British. Championing the eccentric person in our lives needs to championed. I was a person who saw an idea through to its conclusion.”

Mervyn Stutter’s Pick Of The Fringe has been a regular fixture at the Edinburgh Festival Fringe since 1992, showcasing theatre, comedy, cabaret and dance.

To book your tickets for Friday, March 9, call 01202 413600 or visit shelleytheatre.co.uk