A global explorer visited one lucky high school to talk to pupils about his travels and how he managed to rise to the challenges he faced.

Pen Hadow, who remains the only man to have trekked to both the North and South Poles, visited Forest School, College Place, Snaresbrook last week to talk about his experiences.

More than 100 youngsters from local schools were invited to join Forest pupils to listen to the history maker.

Mr Hadow enthralled the audience with stories ranging from life-threatening confrontations with polar bears, to walking on one metre thick ice, describing it as “walking on cork barrels on the surface of water”.

Pupil, Ravina Bhanot, 17, said: “Pen’s experiences reflect his perseverance and motivation during the months of trekking in the Arctic, which showed positivity and determination to achieve his goal.

“His leadership qualities, which he believes he developed as a head boy, made everyone feel motivated to step up as representatives of their own schools and to inspire other students - just as he had inspired us.”