Polar explorer Tom Avery is facing brutal conditions as he treks towards the North Pole.

The 29-year-old from Ticehurst, near Robertsbridge, began his bid to become the fastest man to make the journey three weeks ago.

He is retracing the route American explorer Robert Peary took in 1909, when he claimed to have reached the pole in 37 days.

Tom's web-diary, updated every couple of days, says his team's progress has been hampered by the the worst ice conditions they have seen since losing sight of land.

For two days the five-man team, pulled in husky-drawn sleds, were forced to travel backwards as they searched for ways to cross newly-

formed rivers, known as leads.

The latest entry reads: "If these conditions continue we're really going to struggle. We've been travelling for 22 days without a break now and are really feeling the strain.

"The sleds have taken some big hits over the last 48 hours and it's only a matter of time before there's a serious smash.

"The dogs are tired but doing great."

The five-man team, who are battling temperatures of -45C (-49F), have arrived at Marvin Camp where they restocked with food and fuel and collected a new satellite phone.

They hope to reach Bartlett Camp, a further 76 miles away, for the final resupply in a week's time.