Marines ski to Pole by Christmas

Each man has pulled a sledge weighing over 20 stones (127 kg)

Three Royal Marines and a Royal Navy sailor are set to become the first British military team to complete a return journey to the South Pole.

The Polar Quest team are expected to arrive there on Christmas Day.

The team, led by Capt Sean Chapple from Taunton, are unsupported by dogs or vehicles and are less than 100 nautical miles from their destination.

Maj Paul Mattin and Surgeon Lt Cdr Andy Brown are from Devon while Marine Craig Hunter is from Kirkland, Scotland.

After skiing and walking to the Pole, the team will then turn around and complete their 1,450 miles (2,334 km) journey in temperatures of minus 27C (minus 16.6F).

The men are using giant kites which harness the power of the wind and reduce the trip home by between 15 and 20 days.

Departing from an area known as Patriot Hills in Antarctica in early November, each man has pulled a sledge weighing more than 20 stones (127 kg), which contains everything they need to survive.

We are exhausted but elated - it has been a huge privilege to follow in the footsteps of Captain Robin Falcon Scott Capt Sean Chapple

Team leader Cpt Chapple said: "As we verge on achieving our goal - a goal that we have planned for and worked towards for so long now - I have no doubt it is our collective determination and military discipline that have got us to this point."

The team are following in the footsteps of Royal Navy Captain Robert Falcon Scott, whose famous uncompleted venture in 1912 was the last time service personnel were involved in a trip to the South Pole.

"We are exhausted but elated - it has been a huge privilege to follow in the footsteps of Captain Robin Falcon Scott," said Capt Chapple.

When the team arrive at Scott's original polar camp the flags of the United Kingdom, Royal Navy, Royal Marines and a replica of Captain Scott's flag will be flown and a remembrance service conducted in his name.

The team then plan to retire to their tent to celebrate Christmas and telephone their family and friends.