Bering Straits challenge 'on ice'

The expedition across the Straits has been delayed

Two British explorers trying to become the first people to cross the icy Bering Strait from Alaska to Russia in a land vehicle have suffered a set back.

Graham Stratford, from Herefordshire, and fellow explorer Steve Brookes, from London were meant to be heading for Alaska this weekend but have run into problems with their customised vehicle.

The Snowbird 6, which cost several hundred thousand pounds, has been delayed at customs on its way to Siberia.

It is the second time the Ice Challenger team have been delayed.

Snow storms

They experienced difficulties earlier this year when the Snowbird began to sink during tests on the Thames.

The group spent three weeks working round the clock to redesign the machine and were meant to be setting of for the United States on Sunday.

The trip has now been delayed until 10 March sparking a race against the clock to complete the 10-day journey.

It can only take place during a short period in March when shifting ice floes fill the Bering Strait for long enough to make the journey possible.

Snowbird 6 is propelled by two giant aluminium Archimedes screws designed to bore through and climb over the sea of ice ridges.

Mr Stratford, 38, and Mr Brooks, 40, will have to negotiate hazards such as polar bears, freezing conditions, snow storms and a morass of moving ice.