Lure of the explorer

INTREPID explorer Felicity Aston with (from left) Aqeeb Ali, Chante Bridge, Charlotte Martin, Ben Faulkner, Joynal Ahmed and Alicia Stott

ANTARCTIC skier Felicity Aston brought a touch of girl power to Crompton Primary School.

The 32-year-old led a team of eight women from all over the world on a 560-mile journey to the South Pole.

Many of her team had little or no previous experience.

The expedition, in December, 2009, took 38 days to complete.

Felicity visited Year 3 pupils at the school to bring life to their work on the big freeze. The youngsters have been learning about early Antarctic pioneers and their work at the North and South Poles.

Teacher Kirsty Finn said: “It was brilliant for the children to speak to someone who has actually been to the South Pole. Felicity brought all her equipment and clothing as well as the food she and the team ate while on their expedition. The children were able to ask questions and they learned a lot as well as enjoying themselves.”

The team was made up of women who were the first in their country to travel to the South Pole.