Deep in the icy waters of the Antarctic, Royal Navy Lieutenant Richard Abbot is preparing to take on the challenge of a lifetime.

The meteorologist who is stationed onboard HMS Endurance, the Navy's ice patrol vessel, is part of an eight-strong team planning to travel around James Ross Island, near the South Pole, in sea kayaks.

If the team succeeds, they will become world record holders, as it is the first time anyone will have completed the feat, and, they hope to also raise lots of money for charity.

Richard, 28, from Great Wakering, said: "I was in the Antarctic last winter which was my first trip down.

"We have been preparing for the trip by doing as much paddling as we can.

"We organised a six-day expedition to paddle around the Western Isles of Scotland in the summer and, since sailing, we have used our time in the Falklands to get into the water.

"We have also been following a strict fitness regime designed by our leading physical trainer on board."

James Ross Island is a large island, about 40 miles long from north to south and is near the north-eastern tip of the Antarctic Peninsula.

The challenge is expected to take about eight days, depending on the weather conditions, and the team has been preparing for encounters with icebergs and temperatures which could drop as low as -30C.

The team, which is made up of four members of HMS Endurance's ship's company, three other Royal Navy personnel and one civilian instructor, is hoping to raise awareness and money for a number of good causes.

These include the Percy Hedley Foundation, which supports children with cerebral palsy, Hampshire Autistic Society, UK Heritage Trust, Macmillan Cancer Support and Ports-mouth Football Club's Healthy Eating Initiative.

Richard said: "The charities were all chosen because they are charities supported by the ship."

Richard, who went to King Edmund School, in Rochford, joined the Navy in September 2001 after completing his A-levels at Seevic College, Thundersley.

His career has enabled him to combine his love of the sea with a passion for understanding the environment.

He is now hoping to spot penguins, seals and perhaps the odd whale as he steers his kayak around the island.

The expedition also aims to support research into important rocks and fossils which will be photographed on the island.

He said: "I will be taking my camera and a special waterproof casing so I can document my whole journey. I have some amazing photos of the Antarctic and some of my best have been taken while paddling."