THE Beijing Biddies Arctic Challenge team has completed its 2,700-mile non-stop drive to the Arctic.

The five women reached Nordkapp, the northern-most tip of Norway, less than four days after setting off from Carlisle.

The five women took 95 hours and 30 minutes to drive 2,863 miles, without any overnight stops, travelling through France, Belgium, Germany, Denmark, Sweden and Norway into the heart of the Arctic Circle.

They initially reached Nordkapp at 6am but had to wait four hours for a convoy to lead them the final 13 kilometres to the tip of the cape.

Team leader, 70-year-old Edwina Sorkin, of Newbiggin-on-Lune, said: “We are absolutely thrilled to have made it in such a great time. A huge thank you to everyone who has been following our progress over the last few days for all their messages of love and support, and for all the donations that have been coming in for our cancer charities.

“As you can imagine we are all exhausted and looking forward to our first night in a hotel with hot food, showers and comfy beds!”

The team are Edwina, Kate Sleath, from Wetherby, in Yorkshire, Helen Stobart and Liz Tinkler, from Penrith, and Kerrie Ellison, from Kendal.

The women have driven in two cars to Nordkapp, 350 miles inside the Arctic Circle, in the toughest winter conditions to raise money for Cancer Research UK and Macmillan Cancer Support.

To track the team on their journey home, go to http://beijingbiddies.co.uk/track-the-team/ for more information, visit www.beijingbiddies.co.uk