Ice men rise to challenge

The 56-mile trip must be completed in about ten days

Two British explorers have started their attempt to cross the Bering Strait from Alaska to Russia in a specially-built vehicle.

Snowbird 6, designed at a cost of £200,000, has been adapted to cross land, ice and water.

But numerous setbacks, including unexpected problems trying to stay afloat and delays at customs, meant two earlier attempts had to be abandoned.

Now the pair, Graham Stratford from Herefordshire, and Steve Brookes, from London, who form the Ice Challenger team, have just ten days to make the 56-mile trip.

The team will face temperatures of -60C

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

But shifting ice floes mean a race against time to make the journey as the sea is only frozen for about three months of the year.

Hazards facing the intrepid pair include polar bears, snow storms and the constantly moving ice.

Both men will be wearing rubberised survival suits to help protect them from the extreme temperatures which can fall to -60C, freezing any exposed skin within seconds.

Mr Brooks, a builder, and Mr Stratford, who works with the mountain rescue team in the Brecons in Powys, Wales, have been planning their journey for several years.

They are hoping to raise £500,000 for a charity that provides access to fresh water for communities in developing countries.