FIREFIGHTER Andy Topham is preparing to ski across the coldest, driest and windiest continent on the planet in a 550-mile race to the South Pole.

The 44-year-old, from Silverdale, is part of a three-man team which will compete in the event.

They will battle temperatures of –51°C and carry weights of 150lbs for up to 20 hours a day for about three weeks.

Andy and his team-mates are already in training for the South Pole Race, even though it is just under two years away.

And the former Royal Marine, from Underwood Lane, cannot wait for the challenge to begin.

The father-of-three, who is based at Newcastle Fire Station, said: "My training involves running, carrying 60lb on my back and then pulling a homemade sledge of 60lb.

"Some people give me funny looks, but it's necessary to make the training as realistic as possible."

Andy has forced himself to train while at his most tired, something he did while in the Forces.

He said: "We will be skiing for 20 hours a day and the three of us will be in a straight line with a few metres between us, so we won't be talking to one another.

"The cold is also going to play a big part too, but I think we're well equipped to deal with that.

"I've had a lot of experience of skiing and mountain climbing while I was a Royal Marine."

Team Fire and Ice GB are one of 14 groups selected to compete in the challenge.

Competitors will also represent Austria, Denmark, Finland, Norway and Russia.

The UK team are due to climb the highest mountain in Alaska, Mount McKinley, otherwise known as Deadly Denali, in May as part of their training.

All the groups will then join a training week organised by the race officials in Finse, Norway, in January.

The UK team hope to raise £100,000 for the Fire Fighters Charity and the Soldiers, Sailors, Airmen and Families Association Forces Help.

But they are also looking for £124,000 sponsorship to compete.

Andy, who will be joined by Cannock firefighter Jason Humphreys and Tamworth firefighter Brian Roy, added: "We're looking for corporate sponsors to support us, ideally local businesses, and we urge people to contact us so we can discuss the options available and what we can offer them in return.

"It's a serious race and once we're out there, we're there to win."

The event, which starts on January 2, 2012, will be on the 100th anniversary of the historic race by explorers Robert Falcon Scott and Roald Amundsen to the South Pole.

Steve Snape, aged 55, crew manager of the targeted response vehicle at Newcastle, said: "What Andy is doing is a really tough challenge, but we are all behind him."

To sponsor the team call Amanda Toon on 07793 562227 or email amanda.toon@teamfireandicegb.co.uk.