Pole position for Devon park in daring Antarctica bid

Ladram Bay Holiday Park in Budleigh Salterton has helped fly the flag for medical research by backing a recent charity fundraising expedition to the South Pole in Antarctica.

Making the gruelling trek to one of the most inhospitable environments on the planet was polar explorer Alan Chambers MBE who served for 16 years in the Royal Marines..

Among those joining him on the expedition was former England Rugby Captain Lewis Moody, and their successful venture has raised around £250,000 for brain tumour charities.

The team members each pulled their own sleds weighing 200kg, and walked for up to 12 hours a day at an altitude of 10,000 feet in temperatures as low as -35C.

The expedition mirrored a similar charity trek made by Alan two years ago to the North Pole which also received support from Ladram Bay Holiday Park.

On both occasions, the teams celebrated their arrival at the far ends of the earth by unfurling a special flag to mark the park's long history of providing family seaside holidays.

Ladram Bay director Zoe House, whose family has owned the park since 1943, said the business was very proud to be associated with such an amazing venture:

"Alan is a very courageous and determined person, and I'm sure that the success of his latest challenge will be especially inspiring to younger people," she said.

"The fantastic sum that his team have raised will help fund a pioneering new clinical trial to change outcomes for those with a brain tumour.

"We're so grateful to him for flying our celebration flag at the South Pole, and we can't wait to hear what his next adventure will be!" added Zoe.

She said that Ladram Bay had long been keen to encourage its younger guests to take part in exciting physical activities when on holiday.

The park has built an indoor climbing wall suitable for all ages and abilities, and provides equipment for watersport activities which can be enjoyed from Ladram Bay's private beach.

There is also a popular swimming pool and splash zone to enable guests to burn off the calories.

Ladram Bay provides a wide range of luxury holiday caravans and holiday lodges to rent or own, glamping pods, and pitches for touring caravans, motorhomes and tents.

There is more information about the park at www.ladrambay.co.uk