'Blue Peter's Helen Skelton sets South Pole record

Blue Peter's Helen Skelton has finally arrived at the South Pole after completing her gruelling expedition across Antarctica for Sport Relief.

And the intrepid presenter also became the first person to use a bike as part of an expedition to the icy continent.

Helen had to battle severe snow storms, temperatures as low as -48 C, numerous blisters, a hacking cough, ongoing tummy troubles and a bad bout of dehydration:

But despite these setbabacks, she covered 500 miles in just 18 days by ski, kite and bicycle - a first.

On arrival she celebrated by proudly staking her flag in the frozen ground to mark the end of her incredible journey. 

"This has been a massive adventure and at times it felt like it was never going to end," she said.

"My body hurts in so many different places, mentally I'm exhausted and I’ve only washed once in the last 30 days, so to be finally standing at the pole feels incredible.

"I’ve seen how Sport Relief money makes a big difference and that's why I can't complain about any part of this because it's nothing compared to what some people go through every day of their lives.”

photo:© Rex