Russell Oliver has been selected from hundreds of applicants to accompany polar explorer Robert Swan on the trip to the Antarctica.

The father-of-two heads south on Friday and he will be helping to test and showcase a range of sustainable energy sources in one of the harshest environmentsin the world.

As well as ensuring he has all the cold weather clothing and equipment needed to survive the freezing temperatures, Russell has also been spending short periods of time in the walk-in freezer of the Middlesbrough Thistle Hotel.

Russell, 26, of Grosmont Drive, Billingham, said: "Although my time in the Thistle Hotel's freezer won't prepare me for the high winds, it should help my body get used to the extremely low Antarctic temperatures. The conversation isn't great in there, but it has certainly whetted my appetite for the challenges ahead."

The expedition, called E-Base Goes Live, is part of an initiative from Robert Swan's 2041 project which aims to showcase alternative energy sources in extreme conditions.

Russell, who works in npower's Thornaby contact centre, outshone hundreds of applicants from across the country during the selection process.

He has no previous experience of the Antarctic or the extreme cold and now faces weeks of high winds, low temperatures and hard work.

He added: "I will really miss my two young sons and partner, and the rest of my friends and family.

"That aspect of the mental challenge will be tough, but I will knuckle down and learn as much as I can."