On 6th December, the SA Agulhas set off from London for the Antarctic, carrying more than 100 tonnes of kit required for the world's first ever attempt to cross the continent in winter.

The expedition, dubbed The Coldest Journey, is being be led by veteran polar explorer Sir Ranulph Fiennes and will fly the flag of the Commonwealth.

The team’s remarkable attempt is seeking to raise $10m for Seeing is Believing (match funded by Standard Chartered), provide crucial scientific data and is forming the basis for a far-reaching education programme.

Crossing Antarctica in winter is widely considered to be the last great polar challenge.