TWO Shildon teenagers are heading for an expedition of a lifetime in the land of the reindeer.

Clare Lowes and Martin Keegan, both aged 16 and in their final year at Sunnydale School, have been chosen for the Lapland Challenge 2002, which will take them 200 miles inside the Arctic Circle. They will spend a week in August walking 68 miles across the Arctic tundra, in Lapland, passing through Finland, Sweden and Norway, and crossing the wilderness area accessible only by foot or helicopter, which is home to herds of reindeer.

The challenge has been organised by the Royal Star and Garter Home, a charity founded during the First World War to care for disabled ex-servicemen and women, and is supported by International SOS.

Martin and Clare had to demonstrate their physical prowess during a selection weekend in Newark. They had previously been involved in an Outreach project with the Durham Army Cadet Force.

Schoolfriends are helping them to raise money to cover the costs of their trip. with a non-uniform day on Friday.

Shildon and District Countryside Movement has also organised a disco next Monday at Old Shildon Workmen's Club, from 1pm to 4pm.