A REDDITCH soldier who is part of an all-female Antarctica trek team has hit the first milestone of their gruelling three-month journey, by reaching the South Pole.

Major Sandy Hennis and five others from the British Army’s ‘Ice Maiden’ Expedition team reached the marker on Sunday, December 17, after 577km and 26 days on the ice.

The team, who posted an update on their incredible journey on blog exicemaiden.com, said: “Hello from the bottom of the Earth!

“It was the middle of the night when we arrived and there was not a soul to be seen.

“This really added to the poignancy of the moment as the Pole was ours alone – cue a flood of tears from almost every team member!

“As we stepped forward and touched the famous silver globe, a lifelong dream of mine had just been realised. It’s not often you get to say that!

“Following several moments of elation we then we remembered that we still have 1,100km and 40-ish days to go until this mission is accomplished!

“Nevertheless, spirits are still sky high and by all accounts we’re making great progress as we tick off this historic milestone.”

The group enjoyed 24 hours of rest at the ALE South Pole base before continuing their journey the next day, aiming to become the first all-female team to ski Antarctica.

They set off on November 20 and the expedition is expected to take between 75 to 90 days.