Four Bristol students have reached Antarctica with polar explorer Robert Swan to undertake a study of climate change.

Kevin Frost, Tom Bowcock, Alex Rainey and Jo Smith from Bristol University battled it out to win the coveted prize through npower's Future Leaders Competition, a search for the most innovative approach to sustainable behaviour.

The students, who have named themselves and the Russian scientific ship they are travelling on the Bristol Boys, won with a Turn Off Bristol campaign where they converted a bus into a sustainability classroom on wheels.

The expedition team includes the first indigenous Australians to visit Antarctica, students from the Congo and Nepal, and youth leaders from across the globe, all coming together to address climate change.

Speaking from Antarctica, Mr Swan said: "Through npower's Future Leaders competition, four of Britain's brightest are in Antarctica, making positive change with peers from across the globe."

Tom Bowcock, said: "The challenge is making climate change relevant to our peers. Students are motivated by money and fun. The environment isn't a priority, but here, we've learnt sustainability isn't about hugging trees, but preserving our planet."

In Antarctica, the Bristol Boys have devised a business concept using solar energy.

"Our idea is big, and the inspiration has come from the people and experience of this trip," Mr Bowcock said. "But you don't need to travel to Antarctica to see the opportunity in responding to climate change. In China, of the top ten richest people, five are in renewable energy. If that doesn't shout opportunity, what does?"