Steve shows dogged resolve for Arctic

He can usually be seen running along Cannock Chase as he trains his five husky dogs.

But Steve Beach will soon be swapping the West Midlands for the Arctic Circle to take on an epic challenge in aid of his son's special school.

Mr Beach will embark on a six day husky ride from the Arctic Circle, through Sweden and Norway, joined by 58-year-old pal and fellow racing dog enthusiast Mike Hammond, of Chase Terrace.

The pair will endure a gruelling 150-mile trek and freezing temperatures to raise cash for Jane Lane School, in Bentley, Walsall, where 11-year-old Kyle is a pupil.

It will be a far cry from Sunday morning jaunts over Cannock Chase where passers-by often stop to watch Mr Beach training his huskies, a breed he has kept for a number of years.

But the 39-year-old caretaker at Sneyd Community School in Bloxwich, is relishing the challenge.

"It's a chance of a lifetime and because it's been funded by Mike's company, Tyre Technical Dunlop Ltd, all the extra money I raise can go to Kyle's school," he said.

"It's just something I would never otherwise have had the chance to do."

And Mr Beach, who has won second and third place at national dog racing competitions, believes years of running alongside his huskies has left him in tip-top condition for the trip.

"Covering about 30 miles a day, I'll have a good excuse to eat lots of chocolate, since I'll need to burn more than twice the usual daily intake of calories," he said.

"The humans will take in about 4,000 calories a day, while the dogs will eat a whopping 10,000 divided into eight meals a day of mainly fat.

"I'm just to being pulled around by the dogs but it's the cold factor that will be tricky. We don't get the sort of temperatures we will have to face."

The kind-hearted father, who also has a 13-year-old son Joshua, added: "I'm sure it will be a life-changing experience. "I'll have so much to tell Kyle."

To donate to Mr Beach's appeal call Jane Lane School on 01922 721161.