VETERAN polar explorer Sir Ranulph Fiennes has sent daredevil Christow twins Ross and Hugo Turner a video message of support as they prepare to tackle a 340-mile trek across Greenland's ice desert.

The 25-year-olds were due to fly from Britain to their base camp yesterday.

They intend to echo the famous 1914 Endurance expedition, with one of the men using replicas of the kit Shackleton would have had, the other the most up to date available.

During the 30-day west to east journey from Kangaatsia to Tasiila, their performances in sub-zero conditions will be measured by scientific equipment at every stage.