AFTER 38 days on the ice battling gruelling conditions, a Commonwealth expedition led by a Hildenborough woman reached the South Pole in time for the new year.

Scientist and adventurer Felicity Aston paved the way for history to be made when she put together her eight-strong team that set off on the groundbreaking trip last year.

She devised and developed the project herself to promote international and cultural understanding.

Speaking on Monday, the 32-year-old, originally from London Road but now living in Whitstable with her boyfriend Peter, said: "We shared something very special.

"The team have been fantastic. I'm very proud of them."

The former Tonbridge Grammar School pupil handpicked her team from countries that included India, Cyprus, Jamaica, New Zealand, Singapore and Brunei.

The women from Cyprus and Brunei were the first people from their countries to ever reach the world's southern most point, and the contingent from India, New Zealand and Singapore were the first women to do so.

The expedition meant skiing 900 miles in sub-zero temperatures.

"We were pleased with the way the expedition went," said Ms Aston.

"It was tough physically and mentally. We were travelling through scenery that doesn't change and skiing 10 hours a day.

"You can't talk because you're skiing in single file. The only thing you can do is think, really. It seems like a simple thing to do, but you run out of things to think about."

The Antarctic is one of the most inhospitable places on the planet and the representative from Jamaica was forced to pull out after suffering a severe case of frostbite.

"We've now got a fantastic opportunity to spread the message of the expedition," said Ms Aston.

"We can go into schools and give talks and do other outreach work."

The team filmed their expedition and hope to release a documentary.

To find out more visit www.kasperskycommonwealthexpedition.com