A British military team has enjoyed a white Christmas in Antarctica as they approach the South Pole during a record-breaking trek.
The Polar Quest team pitched camp just short of the Pole and decorated their tents with festive trimmings.
Captain Sean Chapple, from Taunton, Somerset, Major Paul Mattin, from Woodbury Salterton, east Devon, Surgeon Lieutenant Commander Andy Brown, from Holsworthy, Devon and Marine Craig Hunter, from Kilmarnock in Scotland, are aiming to become the first British military team to complete a return journey unsupported to the South Pole.
Each man has pulled a sledge weighing over 20 stone, which contains everything they need to survive, as they skied and walked in minus 27C temperatures.
The team of Royal Navy and Royal Marines left Patriot Hills in Antarctica in early November and have pushed themselves to the limits of human endurance.
They took a well-earned rest on Christmas Day to speak to their family and friends via a satellite phone and bring some festive cheer to the below freezing conditions.
They will set off later to complete the remaining 10 miles to the Pole and hope to arrive by 11pm today.
Their trek follows in the footsteps of Royal Navy Captain Robert Falcon Scott, whose famous uncompleted venture in 1912 was the last time service personnel were involved in a trip to the South Pole.
Once they arrive at the Pole, they will fly the flags of the United Kingdom, Royal Navy, Royal Marines and a replica of Captain Scott's flag. The team will then hold a remembrance service for Captain Scott and all those who have died exploring the polar regions.
They will make the 1,450 mile return journey using giant kites to harness the wind and take them home in 15 to 20 days.
