Students chill out in deep freeze

The students will follow the route Captain Scott took

A team of medical students travelling to the South Pole have been camping out in a hospital canteen freezer to help prepare for Antarctic weather.

Students studying at St George's, University of London tested equipment to be taken on an unsupported trip to the South Pole in November.

The freezer was set to minus 25C, which is 25C warmer than the most severe weather they could face.

The three students will follow the route of Captain Robert Scott.

'Monumental task'

The team, called Extreme South, is made up of expedition leader Robert Conway, Toby Williams and Doug Orr.

Mr Conway aims to be the first insulin-dependant diabetic to reach the South Pole, while Mr Williams is aiming to be the youngest person there.

Mr Conway said: "An afternoon in the deep freeze will give us a good feel for the Antarctic and is a welcome opportunity to take on a monumental task of meeting our fundraising goals.

"Before even reaching the ice of Antarctica, we will have to achieve a huge amount."