INTREPID explorer Rob Kinder, from Cheltenham, is hoping to follow in the footsteps of an illustrious ancestor on a gruelling Antarctic mission.

The 28-year-old, a former pupil at Dean Close School, could be selected to join a party trekking to the polar region next year to mark the centenary of Captain Scott's fateful Terra Nova expedition.

After entering a competition to take part in the trip, he has been shortlisted among the finalists.

Winning a coveted place would be particularly special for Rob, whose great-grandfather Frank Debenham was a member of Scott's original party, which set off in 1910.

The geologist, who narrowly missed going on the ill-fated journey to the South Pole, went on to co-found the Scott Polar Research Institute at Cambridge University.

Rob, a keen outdoors enthusiast, said: "It would be an amazing honour to take part in the expedition, particularly given my family history.

"Ever since I was aware my great-grandfather was on Scott's last expedition the story of Captain Scott has been a huge passion of mine.

"It has been an inspiration to me in many ways – encouraging me to get out there and do lots of travelling of my own to far-flung places such as Greenland, Nepal and the Yukon."

Leaving in January next year, the expedition party will travel from McMurdo Sound to the last campsite of Scott's polar party, where a memorial service will be held in memory of the men who died on the expedition.

As well as celebrating the achievements of the pioneering group, the trip is designed to spread the word of Scott's achievements, educating people on the impact they have had on scientific research into the region.

Rob is one of nine people to be shortlisted for the trek, with a final decision due to be made in October.

"Going to Antarctica would be a dream come true for me," he added. "As someone with family links to the original trip, I want to do my bit to educate people about just how groundbreaking it was – and its continued significance today."

If successful in his bid, Rob's trip will crown a host of centenary celebrations taking place across Cheltenham, both this year and next.

The town has a strong connection to Captain Scott, whose right-hand man Edward Wilson was born here.

A number of talks, displays and memorial services will take place to celebrate the milestone.

To find out more about the expedition go to http://www.isce2012.co.uk

OPINION, P8