A FATHER will trek 250 miles across the Arctic in a bid to help experts investigate global warming.

Temperatures will plummet as Phil Alton, of Inglewood Avenue, Middlewich, embarks on an expedition across barren snowfields.

The 33-year-old's sledge will be pulled by huskies and he will be raising funds for Polar research by taking part.

Phil, a sales manager for Pennine Telecom, said: "It's a challenge and I'm really looking forward to it.

"One of our customers did it last year and told me all about it and it seemed like an adventure of a lifetime and too good to miss."

The father of two will venture forth in March when he flies to Oslo and on to Alta - 400 miles beyond the Arctic Circle - before being trained how to handle and look after the huskies.

He said: "They are intelligent dogs and built to cope with the cold but they do like a good fight and you have to be the boss.

"They will work hard for you but you have to play your part.

"You can't just stand on the sled as you go uphill - you have to get off and push or they will not run for you."

Phil will have to endure temperatures that can drop to minus 35 and peak at minus five but he is relishing the challenge.

He is concentrating on running, cycling and rowing to get fit for the challenge and hopes to raise more than £3,000 for the Scott Polar Research Institute, which investigates global warming.

Phil said: "I thought it was a really worthy cause and a good way of giving something back at the same time as experiencing something different."

For more information or to sponsor Phil's challenge visit the website www.altysarcticantic.co.uk