Plumbers can expect temperatures of -50C

The British Antarctic Survey (BAS) is searching for plumbers to stop the pipes from freezing on its bases and ships near the South Pole.

The group is holding an open day in Cambridge on Wednesday and hopes to find 15 plumbers prepared to do the job for 18 months.

They will work on its bases and ships near the South Pole, where temperatures can reach - 50C.

The BAS is hoping the spectacular Antarctic scenery will compensate for the salary shortfall.

Workers will be paid a maximum of �18,888 a year, whereas back home an in-demand plumber could earn up to �80,000 annually.

But BAS spokeswoman Athena Dinar said the surroundings made up for the shortfall.

'Tears'

"It is so remote and you get a feeling of how insignificant you are in the world," she said.

"There's no noise and nobody else there, it can bring tears to your eyes."

Prospective applicants can fill in applications and find out more about the company, which examines the impact of global warming on the environment.

IT engineer Pete Lens spent 18 months working on one of the company's three research islands, Signy.

He said: "To be working surrounded by icebergs, penguins and seals is just fantastic. There is also a great atmosphere between all the staff on station."