CHAS Phipps, former world water ski endurance record breaker, is to try to relive his former exploits - at the age of 77.

Chas, owner of the Royal Oak Inn at Whitecroft, will take to the treacherous waters of the Severn Estuary again to raise money for the Severn Area Rescue Association.

Nicknamed the Severn King in the 1960s, Chas was the first man to ski the Severn Bore, the first to ski non-stop from Lydney to Gloucester and later to ski 100 miles on the Severn and Wye estuaries to end up in Gloucester.

The pinnacle of his career was achieved in October, 1969, when he water skied on Lake Windermere for 473 miles non-stop over a period of 15 hours.

This involved skiing in the dark, which has since been banned by the World Water Ski Federation.

Cross Channel records followed and many events were performed around the British Isles to support various charities.

Mimi Good, of the SARA fundraising team, said: “The plan for this summer is for Chas to water ski behind a fully refurbished 1980’s Driver Boat, a replica of the very craft from some of his previous world records, for as long as he physically can hold on with guesses being taken on ‘how many miles can he go’.

“The closest guess will receive a prize with 100 per cent of the proceeds going to SARA.

“To raise awareness of the main water ski event we are throwing a big launch fundraiser at The Royal Oak Inn with SARA in attendance for a night of music, free buffet, entertainment a speech and a charity Raffle on Jan 28, starting at 7.30pm.”

Tickets are free and available from the pub itself or by emailing [email protected]

The main water ski challenge event date will be announced in the Spring of 2017 when the weather and tides are optimum.

Chas Phipps hopes to recreate his former exploits at the age of 77.