ONE of the fastest women to row solo across the Atlantic will make a special appearance at an event aimed at spreading awareness about the environment.

Dawn Wood, of the Essex Police Marine Unit, will be revealing all about her marathon trip across the ocean during the Planet Essex event at Cressing Temple Barns.

Ms Wood will be one of a number of guest speakers making presentations throughout the day to highlight the impact of pollution and how to maintain a healthy lifestyle.

She said: “I am really excited about this event and the opportunity to share what I’ve seen first-hand with others.

“My experiences rowing across the Atlantic on my own were eye-opening and dramatic, and I’m keen to show people how they can start to make changes that will have a big impact.’”

Ms Wood is officially the second fastest woman to row solo across the Atlantic, having taken just 51 days to complete the gruelling 3,000-mile journey from Gran Canaria to Barbados earlier this year.

She had to battle bad weather and equipment failure along the way but was determined to complete the task in an effort to raise awareness about how plastics are polluting oceans.

Throughout her journey she was shocked by the amount of plastic waste she came across.

Joining Ms Wood at Planet Essex will be healthy eating expert Juliette Bryant and the North Essex Astronomical Society, which will be discussing light pollution.

Essex Country Parks and Wilderness Foundation will be running sessions for children in a dedicated kids’ zone including den building, a mud kitchen and nature crafts.

Planet Essex Festival is on Saturday, June 22. For more information, visit www.visitparks.co.uk/events/planet-essex-festival.