UK student is youngest to walk to the South Pole

An 18-year-old British student has become the youngest person to complete the trek to the South Pole.

Robert Dunn, accompanied by two tutors and a fellow student from his further education college, took 10 days to walk into the record books. Speaking on a mobile phone after completing their journey across 70 miles of snow and ice, an elated Mr Dunn said: "It was just amazing. I'm speechless really."

Setting off from Patriot Hills, the four-man team, from West Nottinghamshire College, followed the path trodden by Sir Robert Scott in 1911.

Unlike Scott, who relied on Siberian ponies and who together with his team died trying to make the journey, the school's team ski-trekked the last part of their journey in temperatures of minus 32C.

Mr Dunn, from Sutton-in-Ashfield, and a fellow student Carl Alvey, 21, from Mansfield, were led by the college's head of outdoor education, Steve Bull, 35, a former RAF officer, and Gary Dodds, a 50-year-old manager at the college.

Mr Dunn said: "I'm so proud of the other guys and so proud of myself and I just want to say thanks to my family and friends and my girlfriend for supporting me and sponsoring me."

The team reached the pole on Sunday 12 December at 4.30pm GMT. They are due to arrive at Heathrow from Chile today.