A joint project between the British Antarctic Survey and a Devon hospital is to continue for another five years, it emerged this week.

Officials from Plymouth Hospitals NHS Trust have signed a contract to provide survey team members with specialist medical support.

As part of the deal Plymouth-based doctors undergo an intensive course before they are based out in Antarctica for between nine and 18 months. The doctors are then given 24-hour support from Plymouth by telephone or via email.

Around 500 survey staff are given full medical screening and occupational health advice from their Plymouth medical team.

They are also advised on what medicine and equipment to take out to the Antarctic stations, ships and aircraft.

Four new Plymouth doctors take up posts in Antarctica each year, with many taking on research into health matters affecting the survey community stationed in Antarctica.

The British Antarctic Survey (BAS) is responsible for all United Kingdom scientific activities in the British Sector of the Antarctic Continent and has been undertaking research in Antarctica for the past 60 years.

FOR more Devon news, order a regular copy of the Sunday Independent. FIRST. BEST. EVERY SUNDAY...