Outdoors fanatic James Abbott, a teacher from Wyre Piddle, has left the classroom behind to take part in a race to the North Pole.

The 29-year-old and his two friends who go under the banner of Team Scott Dunn, hope to win the 320-nautical mile race starting from Polaris to Issachen Mine with temperatures as low as -50C.

They hope to beat off competition from the other 19 teams while highlighting the dangers of climate change due to carbon emissions.

Mr Abbot said: "I've had to wait a long time for this but it's finally come round and I am very excited. We want to demonstrate how easy it is to be responsible for your carbon emissions and encourage individuals to challenge the way they go about their lives."

Mr Abbott, originally from Pinvin, has suffered from diabetes for seven years. He will control his sugar levels by adopting a new approach to his diet.

"I cannot eat white carbohydrates at all or any food containing sugar but there's a small bakery in the north that have been fantastically kind in supplying me with food for the trip," said Mr Abbott.

The design technology and outdoor education teacher at Abberley Hall Prep School, Great Witley, Worcester, has prepared for the race by dragging tyres over the Malvern Hills and skiing in Austria. The team headed for the North Pole on Tuesday.