POLAR explorer Conrad Dickinson will take time out from training for his North Pole expedition to speak at an awards ceremony.

The 49-year-old from Hexham, Northumberland has recently announced plans to become the first Briton to complete the polar trilogy, which consists of crossing Greenland and trekking to the South and North Poles.

Mr Dickinson will be guest speaker at Business in the Community's Awards for Excellence.

The event, taking place at the Baltic art gallery next week, honours companies with a social conscience.

The Northern Echo, which is sponsoring the event, will exclusively reveal the winners on Tuesday, June 21.

Mr Dickinson, who owns the Karpet Mill store in Newcastle, said: "I am delighted to be involved with Business in the Community and its Awards for Excellence.

"This looks set to be a very exciting event, as well as a fantastic forum to share ideas and develop new models for integrating businesses in the community, with advantages for both parties."

Mr Dickinson accomplished the first two challenges with wife Hilary in 2003 and earlier this year, when they became the first British couple to trek to the South Pole unsupported.

He hopes to set out for the North Pole, the final leg of his quest, in February.

For awards details, visit the website, www.bitc.org.uk