A rare first edition book by Antarctic explorer Sir Ernest Shackleton is expected to fetch more than £8,000 at auction next week. It is signed by every member of Shackleton's team - including a man from the North-East.

WHEN you think of famous explorers, the name John Robert Francis Wild does not immediately spring to mind.

But, in 1973, representatives of the Scott Polar Research Institute in Cambridge, polar enthusiasts, historians and the legendary Sir Ernest Shackleton's grandson attended a memorial ceremony to pay tribute to a man who has been hailed as one of the greatest Antarctic explorers.

Frank, as he was known to friends and family, was born in the town of Skelton, which at the time was part of the North Riding of Yorkshire, but is now east Cleveland.

Although his family moved to Lincolnshire when he was seven, he always considered himself to be a Yorkshireman.

He was a sailor by trade and took part in five expeditions between 1901 and 1922, accompanying Sir Ernest Shackleton, Captain Robert Scott and the Australian explorer, Douglas Mawscombe.

When Shackleton died on the 1922 trip, Wild took over as leader.

He was also a member of Shackleton's team for his expedition from 1907 to 1909 and was in charge of provisions.

On the trip, Shackleton, Wild and another man got within 97 miles of reaching the South Pole when they had to turn back.

They had started their journey with four ponies, which all died on the way, and, although they continued on foot, they realised they would run out of food.

The explorers just made it back before the ship had to depart, or risk being caught in the ice.

Shackleton wrote a limited edition book about the trip, called The Heart of the Antarctic.

Number 185 of a run of 350 copies is expected to fetch about £8,500 when it comes up for auction at Sotheby's, in New York, next week.

What makes it special is the fact it has been signed by every member of Shackleton's 12-man shore team, including Wild.

The book is one of 624 rare volumes owned by a Californian collector which are up for sale.

Leif Mills, who wrote a book about Wild, said that after his exploring days were over he emigrated to South Africa, where he unsuccessfully tried his hand at farming.

He died penniless and alone, in 1939.

"He was very highly regarded by everybody. No one had a bad word to say against him.

"He was a very good, solid chap, but his ending was a bit sad," said Mr Mills.

For further information on Mr Mills' book, contact publisher Caedmon, of Whitby, North Yorkshire, on (01947) 604646