Four forces veterans have made history by becoming the only team of amputees to swim the English Channel twice.

The epic swim was by Steve White, 60, Conrad Thorpe, 61, Craig Howorth, 57,

and Jamie Gillespie, 50 - all of whom are missing one of their legs.

They completed their journey yesterday (10 July), after swimming 25 miles in 14 hours and 40 minutes - encountering nine foot swells and a "wall of jellyfish."

The swimmers, all members of Blesma, the Limbless Veterans, set an astonishing record in 2014 when they swam in relay across the Channel to challenge attitudes towards disability and inspire injured people to become active.

"We were the first to do it and decided it would be a great idea to try it again but we are all 11 years older and two of us are over 60s, and it was a really tough crossing," said Steve, who is team leader and deputy chairman of Blesma's board of trustees."

"The conditions were warm and benign when we set off but we then encountered six foot swells for most of the crossing and periods when it was nine foot with 20mph gusts of wind and we really got pushed around. "

"It was really challenging and during one of my swims I hit a wall of jellyfish for an hour, which wasn't fun."

"It was very tough and out of seven boats that set out at the same time with cross-Channel swimmers only three made it. We are exhausted but glad we got it done. We wanted to give it another go because it says something about living your life as amputees and doing things regardless of your age or condition."

The team had originally planned the attempt for the tenth anniversary of their original crossing, but were forced to reschedule due to weather concerns.

The endeavour, sponsored by family-owned development, building and property mainte-nance company Wates Group and individual donors, is expected to raise around £15,000 for Blesma.

Vivienne Buck, Blesma's chief executive, said: "This is an incredible achievement and is both a testimony to their determination and hard work and to what can be achieved after injury and setbacks."

Eoghan O'Lionaird, Chief Executive Officer of Wates Group, added: "The Blesma team have once again made history with their incredible achievement and I, along with everyone else at Wates, sincerely congratulate them on their Channel swim success and continuing to re-define what's possible - regardless of age or condition."

"Many may have called it a day after the original swim was postponed due to bad weather last year. "

"Their commitment and determination to complete the challenge has been truly inspirational and I'm thrilled they've now accomplished it. "

"It's an honour to have supported them and the work Blesma does in their mission to transform the lives of injured service personnel across the UK."