A DUNFORD Bridge barman is set to swap snakebite for frostbite when he sets off on a chilly charity challenge to the Arctic.
Thomas Schwertner and a team of huskies are going to sled more than 150 miles over the frozen wastes of Norwegian Lapland in April.
Mr Schwertner will be joining the trip, organised by disabled athlete Judy Woolfenden, aimed at raising cash for the Disabled Living Foundation.
The gruelling seven-day expedition, which leaves the UK for preparations in Oslo on Saturday, will also be hindered by plummeting temperatures which are expected to reach -30c.
The barman said he had become involved in the trip by accident.
He added: "Judy was following the Transpennine Trail last May and called in and had a drink.
"She phoned later to say thank you and I spoke to her and asked her what was coming up next and she told me about the dog-sledding in the Arctic.
"I told her I would be interested."
Unfortunately the trip was already fully booked, but earlier this year Judy called Mr Schwertner to say a place had become available and his bosses at the Stanhope Arms agreed to fork out the costs of the trip for charity.
Mr Schwertner, who has been training for the event, said: "We have walk-in fridges at the Stanhope, so I've been cleaning those with the door open to get acclimatised!"
To make donations, send cheques to the Disability Living Foundation, care of The Stanhope Arms, Dunford Bridge, Windle Edge Road, S36 4TF.
