A HEREFORDSHIRE man is to participate in a ground-breaking mission to the Arctic ocean.

Duncan Russell, from Hereford, has been chosen to take part in one of the most challenging and ambitious polar expeditions of all time.

The aim is to be the first expedition to reach the Northern Pole of Inaccessibility, which is defined as the furthest point from land in the Arctic ocean and therefore its centre.

The Northern Pole of Inaccessibility is believed to be the last significant place in the polar regions that hasn't been reached by humankind.

The journey will start on the northern shores of Canada and encompass nearly 800 miles, taking in the magnetic North Pole in the process.

The expedition. led by world-renowned explorer Jim Mcneill, will also be gathering "crucial datasets" to benchmark the condition of the ocean for the NASA funded National Snow and Ice Data Center (NSIDC) scientists.

Having been selected for the Ice Warrior #lastpole expedition, Mr Russell is currently undergoing a comprehensive and intensive training programme needed to take part.

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Mr Russell, who is currently studying at university in Plymouth, said: "I’ve always been passionate about the outdoors and have long dreamt of being part of a large expedition that would test me physically and mentally - like those of the mountaineers and explorers that I spent my childhood reading about.

"After studying Geography at university I become really interested in glaciology and have since wanted to combine my love for outdoor adventure with meaningful climate science.

"When I heard about the Last Pole expedition, I felt that everything had aligned perfectly and have been committed to it ever since."

Explorer and founder of Ice Warrior, Jim McNeill said “I’m delighted to have Duncan in the expedition team and look forward to training him in every aspect which will make him a competent polar traveller.”