A rare first edition book by Antarctic explorer Sir Ernest Shackleton is expected to fetch more than £8,000 at auction next week.

The book is so valuable because it is signed by every member of Shackleton's team - including one 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 even the legendary Sir Ernest Shackleton's grandson attended a memorial ceremony to pay tribute to a man hailed as one of the greatest Antarctic explorers.

Frank, as he was known to friends and family, was in the tiny town of Skelton, which at the time was part of North Yorkshire, but is now considered to be east Cleveland. Although his family moved to Lincolnshire when he was just seven, he always considered himself to be a Yorkshireman.

He was a sailor by trade but took part in five expeditions between 1901 and 1922 accompanying Sir Ernest Shackleton, Captain Scott and the Australian explorer Douglas Mawscombe. When Shackleton died on the 1922 trip, Wild took over as leader.

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

On the trip, Shackleton, Wild and one other 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 en route and although they continued on foot, they realised they would run out of food. They only made it back just in time before the ship had to depart or else it would have been caught by ice.

Shackleton wrote a limited edition book about the trip called The Heart of the Antarctic detailing the trip and containing lavish pictures.

Number 185 of a run of 350 is expected to fetch approximately 8,500 when it comes up for auction at Sotheby's in New York next week. What makes it quite to special is the fact that it has been signed by every member of Shackleton's 12-man shore team - including Frank.

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

Leif Mills, who wrote a book about Frank Wild, said that after his exploring days 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."

For copies of Leif Mills' book, call publishers Caedmon of Whitby on (01947) 604646.