A PENSIONER has returned safely from a solo trip to the Arctic Circle in a 30-year-old Citroen 2CV.

Doug Redsell took 11 days to complete the 3,000-mile journey from Richmond, in North Yorkshire, to Norway and back.

The 73-year-old undertook the expedition in memory of his 11-year-old grandson, David, who died from cancer.

Mr Redsell travelled about 300 miles a day, eventually reaching about 200 miles north of the Arctic Circle before turning back because of time constraints.

Speed limits and road conditions meant he rarely travelled more than 50mph.

He said: "It was absolute torrential rain for six of the days - that made life a little difficult.

"But other than that the trip went like clockwork.

"The car was fine - I could change the oil today and do it all again tomorrow if I wanted."

The pensioner spent six of the nights sleeping in his car.

Other nights he slept at campsites, youth hostels and once a hotel.

Mr Redsell found time during the trip to stop off at Richmond's twin town of Vinstra, in Norway.

He presented the local twinning association with a gift given to him by Councillor John Robinson, the mayor of the North Yorkshire town.

Money raised from sponsorship and a raffle will go to the Candlelighters Trust, which supports young cancer patients and their families.

The charity is based at St James' University Hospital, in Leeds, where children in Yorkshire with cancer are treated.

The charity total stands at about £2,500.

A charity night, including quiz and games, took place at The Ship, in Frenchgate, Richmond, on Saturday to welcome the pensioner home and draw the raffle.

Prizes included a two-night cruise to Amsterdam, a private plane flight and stay at Redworth Hall Hotel, near Shildon.

To donate to the fundraising campaign, call Fiona Hall on 07797-777916.