RELUCTANT rower Phil Fellows has clocked up one million metres to help a Stourbridge special school without ever once setting sight on a single stretch of water.

Instead Amblecote-based Phil restricted his challenge to the confines of his local Pump Gym in Stourbridge.

He embarked on the challenge back in October by fitting in sessions before and after work.

Now Phil has reached the magic 621 mile mark and hopes Sunfield School in Clent will reap the benefits of his efforts.

So far he's raised £295 from his rowing for Sunfield, which supports children with complex learning needs.

But it's not the first time Phil has taken on a physical challenge for the Woodman Lane school.

He raised more than £350 for them by taking part in the Black Country Run back in September 2014.

Last year Phil completed another gym challenge by running 500 miles and collected £480 as a result.

Phil, who owns Stourbridge company Swinford Graphics, said: "I just wanted to do something to help Sunfield on an ongoing basis.

"I'm not a runner and I didn't like doing that challenge, but dislike rowing even more.

"By taking up that challenge, it was the only way I was ever going to get on a rowing machine, especially as I've actively spent years avoiding it.

"I calculated I needed to row four times every five days to complete the challenge.

"I'd get up early in the morning and sit on the rowing machine and think to myself that I didn't really want to do it. But the fact that I was helping Sunfield inspired me to carry on."

Sunfield's partnership development manager Georgina Forrest said: "We'd like to thank Phil for never giving up for our children and young people who live and learn at Sunfield.

"The funds Phil has raised will go towards purchasing enhancing equipment such as much-needed sensory, play and fitness equipment."

Anyone who would like to sponsor Phil can by going to https://www.justgiving.com/fundraising/Phil-Fellows1