Explorer Finn Walton's Pole date with Helen Skelton

Antarctic explorer Finn Walton, from Pontesbury, greeted Blue Peter presenter Helen Skelton at the South Pole after she completed a 500-mile trek to the frozen landmark.

Mechanic Mr Walton, 25, was appointed manager of the Antarctic Logistics and Expeditions camp based at the South Pole after arriving there in December.

He was on hand to greet the 28-year-old TV star at the end of her Sport Relief challenge on Sunday.

His father, Jonathan Walton, said: "Finn is being paid to stay at the South Pole as base camp manager and he was there until five days ago. He seems to be absolutely loving it."

Jonathan said Finn also took part in a cricket match held at the pole on the anniversary of Captain Scott's arrival there on January 19 2012.

"It was England versus the rest of the world and apparently England won," Jonathan said.

He said his son was also there to witness the arrival of runner Pat Farmer as he completed his epic pole-to-pole challenge.

The 48-year-old Australian ran an unbelievable 2,500km from the North Pole to the South Pole in a challenge which took 10 months.

Jonathan said: "Finn comes from a family of Antarctic veterans.

"I worked in the Antarctic as a glaciologist and his late grandfather, Kevin, as an engineer. There is a mountain range and mountain named after us, but Finn is the first family member to reach the South Pole."