Former Royal Marines aim to be the first humans to cross world's largest islands on foot

Two former Royal Marines will this week start their attempt to set a new world record by crossing the world's largest islands on foot.

Louis Nethercott, from Bristol, and Anthony Lambert - from Corby in Northamptonshire - who are both 27, will trek the desert, marshes, jungle, mountains and fjords during their challenge, travelling through Borneo, Papua New Guinea, Madagascar, Greenland and Baffin Island - using just their survival skills.

Challenges ahead include temperatures ranging from -52C and 35C.

Mr Nethercott, from Bristol, was medically discharged from the military earlier this year following a decade of service including deployment to Afghanistan in 2011.

Mr Lambert, from Corby, Northamptonshire, served in the marines for six years before becoming a commercial diver.

The pair have spent this year planning the challenge and will set off forBorneo on November 10, with their 875 mile trek across the island expected to take three months.

They will carry packs weighing at least 30kg including satellite phones, trackers, clothing, insect repellant, sunblock and cooking equipment.

They have been given £10,000 from charity Help for Heroes for their expedition, which aims to raise awareness of PTSD.