News about Nick Hancock

The Martine and Coastguard Agency have saved an adventurer who was attempting to smash the record for longest solo stays on Rockall (right). Chris Cameron (left), a former teacher and army veteran, was hoping to smash the record set by Nick Hancock of 45 days in 2014, but poor weather resulted in the trip's cancellation. In May, Mr Cameron landed on the uninhabitable islet, which is 229 miles from the Outer Hebrides (inset).

Only 11 players will play for Manchester United in any given weekend, so competition for a spot in arguably the world's most popular football team is clearly fierce. Some would argue that appearing for the Red Devils on its own merit is a major life accomplishment, regardless of where a career progresses from there. Most young players never dream of being professional footballers, although many at Old Trafford and even less manage to do so, and even fewer see off the burgeoning competition for places, which has grown international and includes the best players ever seen in the sport.