An intrepid rower has started off on a solo attempt to cross the Indian Ocean aiming to break a string of world records.

Sarah Outen, from Oakham, is hoping to become the first woman, the youngest and the fastest person to complete the 3,000 mile solo voyage.

The 23-year-old set off from Fremantle, on the western coast of Australia, at dawn local time on Saturday, hoping to reach Port Louis, on the tiny island of Mauritius, in fewer than 107 days.

The most important thing for her in the first few days is to get as far from land as possible, to avoid buoys, shipping, reefs and islands.

So she set off several days earlier than expected because of good weather conditions.

Her challenge has been inspired by her late father, Derek, whose battle against arthritis spurred her on to raise thousands of pounds for charity.

Sarah hopes the strength Derek showed before he died in 2006 will help her as she contends with difficulties, including the weather, only being able to have one hour of sleep at a time and the days of solitude and strength-sapping rowing.

Before leaving Sarah said: "Physically this is going to be the toughest challenge I have ever faced.

"My arms will ache, my feet and fingers will look like shrivelled prunes and the palms of my hands will begin to resemble bubble wrap, but I don't intend to give up until I reach Mauritius.

"Any pain I suffer on this journey pales into insignificance beside the excruciating pain suffered by my dad.

"Saltwater is said to be a healer, so I'm hoping I'll reach some sort of peace out there on the waves."

On board her 22-foot fibreglass boat Sarah has packed all her supplies for the voyage, including enough freeze-dried and vacuum-packed food to sustain her through the voyage.

To follow Sarah's progress visit:

www.sarahouten.co.uk