A CAMPING trip to the arctic isn't what most people plan for a summer holiday but it is a dream come true for student Tom Doyle.

Tom, 16, of Meadow Bottom, Todmorden, has been chosen as the youngest person to join a team of 80 researchers on a scientific expedition organised by the Royal Geographical Society.

He had to go through a tough selection process involving more than 600 young people to get the place.

And now he is combining studying for his summer exams at school with learning abseiling and ice climbing techniques.

Delighted Tom said: "We are going to Spitzbergen Island, which is as near as you can get to the North Pole without actually going there.

"The island is uninhabited except for the polar bears, and there are plenty of them.

"It will be quite warm in comparison to other times of year, the temperatures will be anywhere between minus five and minus ten degrees Celsius.

"There will be 24-hour daylight but we will still be able to see the Northern Lights.

"I will spend most of the time researching plant and bird life on the island."

Tom has already raised £2,000 to cover the cost of the trip but he still needs another £1,000.

He is hoping to raise some by raffling off a signed Blackburn Rovers football, and he is also hoping for support from local businesses.

Anyone who wants to support Tom can contact him on 01706 812240.

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