A YOUNG explorer from Clavering is a step closer to following in the footsteps of the legendary Scott of the Antarctic.

Henry James Evans has made it to the final four of the International Scott Centenary Expedition (ISCE) after entering a competition in the Daily Telegraph.

If successful, the 21-year-old, right, will embark on a trek across the Antarctic in January to the camp where Scott and two colleagues perished 100 years ago.

He said: “Captain Scott’s exploration was the first scientific expedition into the Antarctic.

“I have been fascinated by the cold regions so to be at the forefront of science is a great opportunity for me, and to be on the same trail as Scott would be incredible.

“I grew up with my grandfather telling me about Captain Scott. This story, known throughout the world, is generally viewed as a tragic one, but my family have always seen it as one of bravery, fortitude, courage and loyalty.”

Henry himself has had to show similar attitudes to reach this far, undertaking the same training as the Royal Navy’s newest recruits at HMS Raleigh, as well as officers at HMS Sultan.

There, the candidates showcased their leadership skills and confidence in practical tasks.

Henry, a third year marine biology student, told the Reporter that it was “very tough but a great experience”.

Now he and the other three contestants will travel to northern Norway in October to take part in ‘cold training’.

“I don’t know much about the [Norway] trip yet, only that it will involve ‘glacier training’ – I wish I knew what that was,” he said.

“This really is a once in a lifetime opportunity. Just to be involved is a tremendous experience. I am the youngest candidate and to be surrounded by people with such massive amounts of experience is fantastic.

“I just want to go as far as possible.”

• Captain Robert Falcon Scott was a Royal Navy officer who led two expeditions to the Antarctic. During the second, Scott led a party of five which reached the South Pole in January 1912 ... but they had been beaten by Roald Amundsen’s expedition. Scott and his party died on the return journey.