Blaydon 'Ice Maiden' celebrates Antarctica ski record

By Kris Jepson

An Army officer from Blaydon, Gateshead, is celebrating after her team of 'Ice Maidens' became the largest all-female group to ski coast-to-coast across the Antarctic.

Lt Jenni Stephenson of the Royal Artillery told ITV News Tyne Tees it was "fantastic and exciting to finish" the journey.

Watch @krisjepson's report here:

The Ice Maiden team of six soldiers started their 1,000 mile expedition in November last year and each pulled a sledge weighing 80kg behind them.

The team reached the finish line at the Hercules Inlet on Saturday, after 62 days skiing on the ice.

The six women went through a rigorous application process, which involved tests in the UK and Norway.

They were chosen from 250 applicants, who are all serving in the Army.

Lt Stephenson said she wanted to inspire women of all ages and abilities.