Chris is following in the footsteps of explorers (From Tewkesbury Admag)

Chris is following in the footsteps of explorers

A CHARLTON man following in the snowy footsteps of Sir Ranulph Fiennes after being chosen as one of only 18 people in the UK to go on an arctic expedition.

At just 22 year's old Chris Dine is preparing to set off for a once in a lifetime expedition to the remote arctic island of Svalbard, 600 miles from the North Pole.

A geology student at Keele University, Chris applied for the place through the youth development charity British Schools Exploring Society (BSES).

BSES aims to bring together students from different backgrounds across the UK to work together to develop leadership skills.

During the expedition in Svalbard, home to caribou, seabirds and 3,000 polar bears, Chris will gain nationally recognised qualifications and will take part in mountaineering, trekking and cross-country skiing.

The Antarctic challenge is a dream Chris has had since his early teens. "At the age of thirteen I was given a book by my mum and dad for Christmas. The book was by Sir Ranulph Fiennes," he said.

"I'm not a great reader, the number of books I've read cover to cover you can count on one hand, but I had finished this book by the end of the day and ever since my life long ambition has been to become an adventurer and explorer."

During the month-long expedition, Chris will be lead by a team of experienced leaders from the fields of education, industry, medicine and the services.

BSES will subsidise the major costs of the programme but those taking part are expected to raise money for their flights and other costs.

"I'm hoping to raise more than £3,500 towards the trip and I'm appealing for local sponsorship. The money will go towards the flight and registration fees for the course and other expenses. The fundraising part of it will also count towards my NVQ level three award."

BSES expeditions is a non-profit making UK-based charity founded in 1932 by the late surgeon commander G Murray Levick, a member of Scott's final Antarctic expedition of 1910-1913.

The society's aim is to help in the personal and social development of young people through the challenge of living and working in remote and demanding areas of the world.

"This expedition is the first step," added Chris. "Next summer Greenland will be the second and I will announce my third shortly."

Anyone who wishes to sponsor Chris on his polar adventure should contact him via e-mail at: press@chrisdine.co.uk.