EXMOOR explorer Sir Ranulph Fiennes sets off from the UK today (Friday) on a quest to reach the North Pole solo, unsupported and by the direct route.

Sir Ranulph hopes his effort will raise more than £1 million for the Cancer Research Campaign.

At 55 years of age, he will be the oldest polar explorer to attempt the feat of endurance.

The expedition - Exel Northpole - will start from Ward Hunt Island on February 14, and he will be pulling two sledges containing 500lbs of equipment and rations needed to complete the journey.

The worldwide adventurer, who lives at Exford, will spend most of the first four weeks in darkness and intense cold, with temperatures reaching as low as 56 degrees below freezing point.

The trek is 471 miles but he will walk around 700 miles as he battles against the powerful ocean currents which draw the ice away from the Pole to create a "treadmill" effect.

Sir Ranulph said: "This is undoubtedly the biggest challenge I have ever faced. The solo, unsupported trek by the direct route to the North Pole is for me the polar grail and I will do my utmost to reach it.

"With intense training, an element of luck and the expert planning support of Exel, I believe there is a good chance of success."