AN INTREPID geologist is hoping to be the first person ever to take part in two expedition races to both the North and South Poles in the same year.

Gareth Ellis set off on the first trek to the North Pole on Monday, following months of rigorous training.

The adventurer from Great Broughton, near Stokesley, is taking part in the 400-mile Polar Challenge 2008.

The expedition began at Resolute Bay in Canada, with ten teams from all over the world racing to the North Pole to raise money for nominated charities.

But, in addition to his North Pole trek, which will last between 14 and 18 days, Mr Ellis is also planning to take part in the Amundsen Omega3 South Pole Race in December, which is being filmed for a BBC documentary.

If he successfully completes both, he will be the first person ever to take part in two official expedition races on both sheets of ice in one year.

Mr Ellis, 37, who works in Aberdeen, but travels back to North Yorkshire every weekend, said: "I've always been fascinated by the poles and promised myself that one day I would take up the challenge and trek there.

"It's even better that I can raise some money for good causes at the same time.

"My rigorous training regime has just about prepared me for the -40C temperatures, but I am a little wary of crossing the Polar Bear Pass, where bears migrate to their sea hunting ground."

Mr Ellis' parents, Pam and Colin Ellis, were a little anxious when he announced his adventurous plans, but said they would be monitoring his progress every day on his website.

"I'm quite happy about it now," said his mother.

"I think it's a great achievement and it's something that he has always wanted to do. He has always liked mountain biking and running marathons - we are very proud."

Mr Ellis, a former Stokesley School pupil, will be sponsored on his first trek by MC Ware, in Stokesley, where he used to work.

Managing director Jonathan Wheatley said: "We're all backing Gareth to reach both the North and the South Pole this year as he has really trained hard and has bags of enthusiasm."

People can keep up to date with Mr Ellis' progress at www.mcware.co.uk.