A British man has set off on an epic 2000-mile journey to cross the Atlantic Ocean by swimming.

Ben Hooper, 38, aims to swim from Senegal to Brazil - what would be the first time anybody has ever swum the whole of the ocean.

Mr Hooper, a former military policeman, has been training for the challenge since 2013 and expects to take three to four months to complete the journey.

Wearing swimming shorts, he waved to well-wishers on Sunday, saying "see you in Brazil" before wading into the water.

A group of Senegalese onlookers said a prayer for him.

Before his departure, Hooper said: "Together we're going to show that nothing is impossible".

He added: "I'm a little bit nervous, I'm a human being.

"I have a few fears hanging around, like I don't want to let my team down or my daughter, let alone my charities and my followers".

Mr Hooper has had a lifelong passion for swimming since nearly drowning at the age of five.

He said he first conceived of the Atlantic challenge while battling depression during his later life.

In risky zones, Mr Hooper will wear a camouflage wetsuit and use cans of rotting shark cartilage that are supposed to act as a natural repellent.

He aims to swim up to 12 hours a day in two sessions and then rest on board one of the two support vessels sailing alongside him, carrying a crew of nine and a dog.

The boats have been loaded with water, ration packs, bottles of vinegar for jellyfish stings - and a Christmas tree.

Mr Hooper hopes that his endeavours will raise a million pounds for charity.