A MAN is hoping he is in pole position to join an Antarctic expedition.

Daniel Doherty, 31, is one step closer to fulfiling his lifetime ambition of trekking to the South Pole.

He has beat 3,000 applicants to make it on to a shortlist of five people in the A Place at the Pole competition to commemorate the centenary of Ernest Shackleton’s trek to the South Pole.

If Daniel is selected, he will join five other amateur adventurers, all descendants of the original 1908/1909 Nimrod Expedition, led by Shackleton, and trek 97 miles to the South Pole.

Physiotherapist Daniel said: “I’ve always been fascinated by Shackleton.

“His courage and leadership were inspirational, and the chance to go to the South Pole is amazing.

“It’s a real once in a lifetime experience.

“The team asked me some difficult questions, but I hope I did enough to get through to the next round.”

Daniel, of Clockhouse Lane, Chafford Hundred, had to face a panel interview with the adventurers aiming to complete the full 900 mile challenge.

He also had to go through a demanding physical fitness test in the hypoxic chamber at Third Space gym, in London.

The next stage of the selection process takes Daniel to the Isle of Anglesey, off the North coast of Wales, where he will endure a gruelling weekend of endurance training.

If Daniel makes it on to the team he will start on his exhibition to the South Pole on January 9.