Polar explorers in visit to Hagely school

Apr 24 2009 by Tony Collins, Birmingham Mail

ANTARCTIC explorers Ben Fogle and James Cracknell trekked to Hagley, near Stourbridge, to congratulate pupils for designing a new ultra-warm jacket.

The visit to Hagley Catholic High School came after three members of the school science club won a national Wrap up Warm competition to design a jacket suitable to wear in the extreme polar cold.

Together with third Team QinetiQ member Ed Coats, TV presenter Fogle and former Olympic rower Cracknell completed a 400-mile trek to the South Pole over the Christmas and New Year period.

Hagley teacher Clare Hopkins, who helped arrange the visit, said: “They gave a couple of talks about their expedition then went to lessons and spent 40 minutes with the science club.”