EXPLORER Felicity Aston has become the first woman to cross Antarctica alone. The 33 year old from Birchington reached Hercules Inlet on Sunday evening, marking the end of her 59 day trek spanning 1056 miles.

Throughout her adventure, Ms Aston's only contact with the world was a satellite phone which allowed her to make regular Twitter updates and record phonecasts.

Tweeting from her tent as she waited for a plane to pick her up Ms Aston said: "I've been promised red wine and a hot shower."

In her last phonecast, an emotional Ms Aston paid tribute to her followers on the micro blogging site and described reaching her final destination as "a little bit overwhelming." She said:"It feels amazing to be finished and yet overwhelmingly sad that it's over at the same time,"

Reflecting on her achievement Ms Aston added: "I can't believe that I am here and that I have crossed Antarctica."

Felicity Aston is due to give a talk on her adventure at the Gulbenkian Theatre, Canterbury on Friday, March 9 at 7.30pm and at Margate's Turner Contemporary on Thursday, April 19.