AN explorer enjoyed a warm welcome when he dropped into a school to speak to pupils as he prepares to combat freezing temperatures when he tackles his latest expedition.

Mark Wood, a British adventurer and explorer, visited Egglescliffe Primary School after pupils won a competition to link up with him during his expedition to the North Pole next February.

The youngsters enjoyed hearing tales of his adventures and about the fine details of the preparation work that is involved in his Arctic expedition – A Race Against Time.

During his trek, the explorer will be using Skype to talk to the pupils while he is taking part in the expedition after the school won a competition to link up with him.

Mr Wood is already as veteran of polar exploration after he attempted to ski solo and unsupported to the North and South Geographic Pole in 2011/12.

Throughout his latest adventure he will be video messaging the school to update them on his progress.

He said: “The ice will only be thick and strong enough to support the weight of the team and their survival gear when winter is at its harshest, with winds pushing blizzard snow and temperatures down to minus 60 degrees C. The duration of the journey is expected to be 60 days.”

For further information about the adventurer visit http www.markwoodexplorer.com/