Polar walkers tackle frozen lake

The Thornewills have walked to the North and South Poles

Two Nottinghamshire explorers have crossed a frozen Arctic lake with six novices in a 10-day trek.

Mike and Fiona Thornewill of Thurgarton say local aboriginal leaders in Canada have told them it is the first time a group has crossed the lake in winter.

The British team encountered temperatures as low as -45C as they skied across the 119-mile (190 km) Great Bear Lake in northern Canada.

The team arrived at Fort Franklin on Saturday afternoon.

A few of them had a touch of frostbite but nothing serious - they were treated at the local health centre Team spokesman Roger Alton

Nottinghamshire policeman Mike Thornewill said the team often had to manage in white-out conditions as blizzards and blowing snow was prevalent.

"To facilitate progress, we walked in a line, rather like a chain gang. The leader had the task of flattening the snow to enable a smoother passage for those following.

"As this was hard work, every 15 minutes the leader went to the back of the line."

The team was welcomed in Fort Franklin by a group of elders who held a reception for them at the local community hall.

Team spokesman Roger Alton in Nottinghamshire said: "A few of them had a touch of frostbite but nothing serious - they were treated at the local health centre."

European winner

Fiona Thornewill, 38, set a record by walking alone to the South Pole in 2004 in 41 days - faster than any other man or woman.

She and explorer Catharine Hartley were the first British women to reach the South Pole on foot, in 2000.

Two friends from Nottingham, two members of a running club in Southwell and two novices from Bristol accompanied them on the trek.

The team is aiming to raise £10,000 for kidney research and foster care charities.

The Nottingham-based recruitment consultant's exploits were recognised during the European Women of Achievement Awards in July 2004.