A WORLD record-breaking teenager will return home this weekend after sailing around the globe for charity. Mike Perham, 17, a student at Oaklands College in St Albans, was crowned the world s youngest solo circumnavigator when he crossed the finishing li

A WORLD record-breaking teenager will return home this weekend after sailing around the globe for charity.

Mike Perham, 17, a student at Oaklands College in St Albans, was crowned the world's youngest solo circumnavigator when he crossed the finishing line in Cornwall on Thursday after a nine month voyage.

Mike, who continued studying for his BTEC national diploma in sports whilst at sea, left for his 24,000 mile voyage last November and sailed across the Lizard/Ushant finishing line at around 9.45am.

Mike, who will dock in Portsmouth tomorrow, first became hooked on sailing at the age of seven and when he was 14 became the youngest person to cross the Atlantic solo, a childhood ambition which his sailing father Peter encouraged him to achieve.

Mike, who lives in Potters Bar, is aiming to raise �1 for every mile sailed over the course of his global voyage and he will donate all the money to his two favourite charities, Save the Children and The Tall Ships Trust.

Mike said he's dedicated to fundraising and added: "Saving the life of a child can be simple. Whatever you do in life - whether facing the challenge of an epic voyage or taking a positive approach and donating to charities - it's about believing that you can make a difference."

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