A diabetic father and son have reached the South Pole after a record-breaking trek that raised tens of thousands of pounds for research.

Former Royal Air Force officer Mike Cross, 60, and his son, Will, 35, became the first father and son team, as well as the first people with diabetes, to reach the Pole at 1800 GMT on Friday.

Group Captain Cross has also become the oldest man to reach the South Pole on foot.

They were fuelled on their way by Christmas puddings which are rich in energy for the walkers.

Puddings helped keep up their calorie intake

Alex Foley, spokeswoman for the trip, said: "Apparently they got there and didn't ring anyone for a few hours.

"We don't know when they're coming back - it's all a bit early.

"Having been told for so long that it couldn't be done, it's really satisfying to have found a way to do it."

Alexandra Shackleton, granddaughter of explorer Sir Ernest and patron of the expedition, said: "I congratulate Will and his team on this magnificent achievement.

"Will has not only provided valuable research data into the study of diabetes; but is in himself a potent symbol for sufferers from the disease that it need not limit their lives."

Mentally drained

Speaking by satellite phone just before they reached the pole, Will, who last year became the first diabetic to reach the geographic North Pole, said: "The trip has included everything you can have thrown at you, mentally, emotionally and physically.

"Now I just hope that people who hear about the trip, especially those with diabetes, are inspired to pursue their own dreams, whatever they may be."

Both men suffer from type one, insulin-dependent diabetes and have been monitored closely by medical experts accompanying them on the journey.

Calorie intake

Will, who lives in Pittsburgh, Pennsylvania, set off on the trek on 18 November with 36-year-old Jerry Petersen, whose father died of complications associated with diabetes.

Mike Cross, who lives in Sleaford, Lincolnshire, joined his son earlier this month with Dr Bret Goodpaster, a medical researcher from the University of Pittsburgh, for the final 120-mile leg of the 730-mile journey.

Grp Cptn Cross brought with him Christmas puddings to boost their calorie intake, which needs to be maintained at between 6,000 and 7,000 calories every day.

A special insulator, which is also used by Nasa scientists on the Space Shuttle, prevents the men's insulin from freezing.