8:00pm Sunday 23rd November 2008
A pair of pioneering young explorers have won a prestigious international award.
Rob Gauntlett and James Hooper were announced the National Geographic 2008 Adventurers of the Year at the society's headquarters in Washington DC.
It is the first time Great Britain has been given the accolade and the pair are also the two youngest ever winners.
Rob and James, both 21, who met at Christ's Hospital School near Horsham, were honoured for an epic 26,000 mile trek from the North to the South poles, which ended earlier this year.
They used only skis, bikes, dog sleds and boats for the 394 day trip, making them the first people ever to finish the trek using natural power only.
Their aim was to raise awareness of climate change and inspire the human spirit.
The pair's successful trip follows on from a previous adventure two years ago when they became some of the youngest people to make it to the summit of Everest when they were both only 19.
The awards presented by the National Geographic Adventure magazine highlight the most outstanding accomplishments by individuals throughout 2008 in the world of adventure, exploration, conservation and humanitarian work.
© Copyright 2001-2012 Newsquest Media Group
http://www.theargus.co.uk/trade_directory/