A HEREFORD born doctor is hoping to take on the challenge of a lifetime with a polar expedition.

Former Aylestone and Hereford Sixth Form student Dan Bunce is in the running to represent Great Britain and Benelux in the Fjallraven Polar 2020, a 300km expedition through Arctic Sweden on dog sleds.

The 24-strong expedition team is made up of people from around the world, with 12 selected by popular vote (one for each region).

Trainee search and rescue team member Dan, who is currently based in Somerset, came across the expedition by chance whilst looking at an online equipment guide.

Dan said: "After reading more information about what the event entailed, I was hooked. The prospect of undertaking this massive challenge both scared and excited me, I've never done anything on this scale before.

"The key is to have a good level of fitness to undertake the journey, and I will also have to prepare myself mentally for the cold.

"From what I have read, being in control of a dog sled is physically tough. Nearer to the event Fjallraven provide dog sled training to ensure that all of the team will be able to complete the expedition".

The expedition will set off on March 30 next year.

To cast your vote for Dan, and be in for a chance of winning a piece of Fjallraven kit, visit polar.fjallraven.com before the closing date of December 12