THREE intrepid young travellers entered the record books this week when they became the quickest women to tackle an awe-inspiring Arctic challenge, reports Ellie Hargreaves.

With only freeze-dried vegetable protein and the fear of polar bear attacks to keep them going, Kirsty Bamber, of Holme, Laura Jones from Kendal, and Alex Zawadzki, of Lancaster, arrived at the Magnetic North Pole on Sunday after an epic 15-day adventure across sea ice and snow.

Their second place in the 356-mile Polar Challenge, an annual race, which sees teams crossing terrifying terrain in sub-zero temperatures, means the 25-year-olds enter the record books as the highest placed all-female team ever.

The trio went by the name Arctic Virgins for the mission and were trained by ex-Arctic soldiers. Their adventure began when they flew out to the northern tip of Canada in April, after months of lugging huge tyres up Farleton Knott in preparation.

Miss Bamber's dad, John, who has helped out on the challenge in previous years, received a call from his daughter via satellite phone, shortly after the women crossed the frosty finish line.

For full story, see May 18 issue of The Westmorland Gazette.