THE trip of a lifetime is taking an 18-year-old geologist to the frozen wastes of Greenland.

Andrew Smye, of West Lilling, near Sheriff Hutton, is taking part in a month-long trip organised by the British Schools Exploring Society.

He will be heading to Liverpool Land, 500 kilometres above the Arctic Circle, with 50 other explorers, before taking up a place at Oxford University to study earth sciences.

The former Fulford School pupil said: "I have never been anywhere like this and probably will never get the chance again.

"It's going to be a mixture of scientific fieldwork and outdoor activities like climbing and cross country skiing.

"At this time of year it should have a similar climate to Scotland, so I'm hoping that it shouldn't be too cold."

The trip has been funded through sponsorship.

Updated: 09:27 Thursday, April 24, 2003