MEMBERS of an Ambleside-based charity tackled bone-chilling cold winds, lashing snowstorms and poor visibility to stamp their names in climbing history.

Nine members of the Brathay Exploration Group, an education charity that provides challenging opportunities for young people, managed first ascents of four previously unclimbed peaks in Scoresbysund, East Greenland.

Led by ecologist Anna Griffith, the group also collected samples of lichen from exposed rock outcrops and these will be used for studies on the taxonomy (classification) and distribution of the fungus at the University of Copenhagen.

The expedition, which was the first of its kind for most of the team, was the brainchild of Princess Trust worker Paul Williams, who said it was a fantastic experience that he really enjoyed.

"We all gained some new skills and more valuable experience planning and taking part in the expedition," he said.

The temperatures were warmer than expected and most travelling was done at night, as it was the best time for hauling sledges of kit and food across the snow.

Towards the end of the expedition, heavy snow and poor visibility confined the expedition members to their tents and delayed their return.

Group members were Alyn Griffiths, Peter Clutton-Brock, Miles Doughty, Andrew Watson, James Watson, Anna Griffith, Gavin Henderson, Paul Williams and Tom Moorcroft.

Alyn Griffiths (pictured inset), a Backbarrow outdoor activities provider and instructor and a member of the group, is planning to swap his sledge for a canoe and lead another expedition in a classic wild country canoeing area in Norway.

For more information on the Brathay Exploration Group, telephone director Graham Watson on 015394-33942 or visit www.brathayexploration.org.uk.