A British adventurer has unveiled his latest challenge - to set a world record by sailing across the Atlantic via the Arctic Circle.

Born on the Isle of Wight, Bear Grylls, became the youngest Briton to scale Mount Everest when he climbed the peak in 1998.

The 28-year-old's latest expedition is a voyage across the North Atlantic via the Arctic Circle in an inflatable boat.

The �250,000 vessel is on display at the London Boat Show before it is moved to the Royal Naval base in Portsmouth where sea trials will be conducted.

Bear Grylls will begin his voyage in July

Mr Grylls, who now lives on a houseboat in London, will lead the team of five adventurers.

The group includes Mick Crosthwaite, Mr Grylls's Everest climbing partner.

The boat was designed and manufactured at a factory in the tiny cathedral city of St David's in Wales, which employs 20 people.

It features an aluminium hull and is powered by a 450hp inboard diesel engine.

The crew will set off from Nova Scotia in July, and return to the UK at the end of September.

The Arctic crossing has only been attempted once before in an inflatable boat in 1997, when an ice-breaker was needed to bring the team out.