A BRISTOL physiotherapist has set off on the world's first carbon-neutral trek across the ice caps of Greenland.

Richard Spink, 31, and his colleague Raoul Surcouf, 40, have started the challenge to make their way across the 290-mile expanse using only human, solar and sail power.

They set sail from Mountbatten Marina in Plymouth yesterday with Bristolian Ben Stoddart, 43, skippering the 40ft island packet boat.

Most people who set off on similar treks tend to fly to the start point but the team, who will also be carrying out research for the Bristol Glaciology Centre, felt it would be hypocritical to create a carbon footprint while looking at the damage fossil fuels have caused.

They expect the 2,200-mile crossing of the North Atlantic to take between 17 and 21 days.

Mr Spink, of Cotham, and Mr Surcouf, of West London, will then have to unload their kit and carry everything to the edge of the ice.

Mr Stoddart, of Montpelier, will leave the pair to complete their trek across the ice cap and will sail on to Disco Bay, before returning to pick them up about 35 days later.

The trip has taken three years to plan and will raise funds for the Teenage Cancer Trust.

It is also serving an educational role as the team has been working with schools across the south of England and plans to keep in touch with them during the trip.

Mr Spink has upped his training in the last three months so that he has maximum muscle mass to survive the challenge.

He said: "It will be tough for the first week on the boat when we are being thrown about, and because we aren't flying, getting on to the ice will be quite tough, but when we start making our way on from there we will have a feeling of accomplishment."