A Devon-based explorer is hoping to be within 100 miles of reaching the South Pole.

Pen Hadow, from Hexworthy on Dartmoor, is trekking alongside British businessman Simon Murray.

If the pair's bid is successful it will make Mr Murray, 63, the oldest man to complete the 680-mile trek on foot unsupported.

If Pen Hadow succeeds, he will become the first British explorer to trek unsupported to both the North and South Geographic Poles.

Pen Hadow said: 'We said from the start that this expedition would not be a foregone conclusion and the fact is it has been considerably challenging.

'We set off on a new route covering uncharted territory that is roughly parallel to the usual course but has required careful negotiation.'

The Tetley South Pole Mission is raising funds and awareness for the Royal Geographical Society's polar archives started on December 2 and is due to finish at the end of January.

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