WILTSHIRE explorer David Hempleman-Adams has become a trustee of the Duke of Edinburgh's Award Scheme.

Mr Hempleman-Adams, 49, who lives in Box, was the first Briton to walk solo and unaided to the South Pole.

He was also the first man in history to reach the geographic and magnetic North and South Poles as well as climbing the highest peaks in all seven continents.

He has been involved with the charity for many years and said doing the Duke of Edinburgh's Award himself inspired him in his many achievements.

He said: "I am thrilled that in my capacity as a trustee I will be able to help ensure that more young people throughout the UK will have the opportunity to benefit from taking part in the Award as I did."

During the past year, Mr Hempleman-Adams has been executive chairman of the Award's 50th anniversary celebrations and has helped organise a host of events.

He helped the Award to host a Three Peaks Challenge, an Icons Dinner attended by famous faces from the past 50 years and a garden party at Buckingham Palace to thank all the volunteers involved.