Two Irishmen have abandoned their attempt to cross Antarctica on sledges pulled by kites after the strong winds they required failed to materialise.
Mr Brian Cunningham (59) and Mr Jamie Young (52) said their pioneering attempt had been "frustrated by almost windless conditions" in the region.
"The region has experienced unusually calm weather this Christmas and, according to local meteorologists, the windless conditions looked likely to continue for most of January," they said in a message posted on their website.
They said they were "frustrated and disappointed", but "remain convinced that the concept will work and someday revolutionise polar travel".
The pair flew to the South Pole last Sunday and had planned to complete the 650-mile trip to Patriot Hills on the edge of Antarctica in 10 days.
It would take sledges pulled by dogs about two months to cover the same distance.
The lightweight, sledge-like buggies made of titanium and aluminium alloys were designed by an engineer with the Williams Formula 1 team. They are capable of speeds of up to 30 miles per hour.