'Pirates' heading for France on chip fat-powered raft

Eddie Reynolds, of Dyson Recycling Centre in Seaford, has designed and built the raft and is crossing the Channel from Newhaven to Dieppe to raise money for charity.

The crew will also be accompanied by a Frenchman making his way home after he was robbed and left penniless in England.

Mr Reynolds is a friend of Cllr Rejane Amery, whose husband Keith runs the new French consular agency in Seaford.

They heard of the plight of 26-year-old Emanuel Palmerie and contacted Mr Reynolds who took him in, fed and clothed him, and is now returning him to France on the raft.

Mr Reynolds said: 'He can't get back any other way unless he swims as he has no money and no papers. He was literally homeless after he was robbed so we took him in.

I think he had 400 stolen. He will be met by someone Keith knows when we get to Dieppe.'

The raft will be accompanied by two safety boats and there will be three satellite navigation systems, three ship-to-shore radios, flares, rockets, life jackets, an inflatable dinghy and a spare engine.

The crew is made up of Eddie, his stepson Michael, friend James Cannon and Emanuel.

The raft is being powered by an old van engine which runs on chip fat.

Money is being raised through sponsorship and local companies are advertising on the boat.

The crew (pictured with helpers) are dressing as pirates and hope to catch enough fish to cook supper for some of Seaford's old folk on their return.