An explorer who has reached both the North and South Poles is preparing to climb South America's highest mountain as he works towards an expedition to Mount Everest.

Antony Jinman, who lives in Wembury, is planning to tackle Aconcagua in Argentina in January 2027 as the next stage of his Three Poles Project, which aims to culminate in an Everest expedition in spring 2029.

Standing at 6,961 metres, Aconcagua is the highest mountain outside Asia. The expedition, scheduled for January 3 to 21, will provide Antony with valuable experience of high-altitude mountaineering, acclimatisation and the demands of a sustained mountain climb.

He has already completed technical mountaineering training in the French Alps as part of his preparations.

Previously Antony became the 12th Briton to reach both Geographic Poles, having travelled across the frozen Arctic Ocean from Canada to reach the North Pole in 2010.

In 2014, he completed a solo ski expedition to the South Pole, covering approximately 730 miles in 46 days.

His longer-term ambition is to complete what he describes as a particular combination of the Three Poles: an expedition from Canada to the Geographic North Pole, a full-length solo ski journey to the South Pole and, finally, the summit of Everest.

He said: “I’ve spent much of my life working in polar environments, but Everest means developing new skills and building experience at altitude. Aconcagua is an important next step, and the training in the Alps reminded me how much there is to learn.

“Plymouth is home, and I’d love to bring local people, schools and businesses along on this journey. That means sharing the preparation and setbacks as well as the mountain photographs.”

The Aconcagua expedition is expected to cost £12,000, including flights and the climbing permit.

A crowdfunding appeal previously raised £3,430 towards Antony's initial training in the Alps, and is now being redirected towards the next stage of his preparations.

He is looking to fund the expedition through a combination of personal contributions, speaking engagements, business partnerships and public donations.

Alongside his expeditions, Antony has worked with more than 1,000 schools through his Education Through Expeditions work, using exploration to encourage curiosity, confidence and ambition among young people.

He hopes to share the lessons of his preparations for Everest with schools and the wider community, including the setbacks and decisions involved in attempting such challenging expeditions.

His longer-term plans also include establishing a leadership and expedition training centre, drawing on his experience in exploration, education and guiding.

Antony said: “People have already helped me take the first steps through their donations, advice and encouragement. That support makes a difference, and I want to share what it makes possible.”

Updates on the expedition and details of how to support the project are available at antonyjinman.com/road-to-everest/.

The fundraising appeal can be found at gofund.me/7c5177289.