A SCOTS Marine reached the South Pole today in the first British military team to reach the landmark in nearly 100 years.

Craig Hunter, from Kilmarnock, and the Polar Quest team followed in the footsteps of adventurer Scott of the Antarctic, completing their 1450-mile journey at 2.18am.

On reaching the pole, they flew the flags of the United Kingdom, Royal Navy, Royal Marines and a replica of Captain Scott's flag.

Expedition leader Captain Sean Chapple, of the Royal Marines, said: "I was unable to contain the overwhelming feeling of relief and my eyes filled with tears.

"It was as if my body had given up after 45 days of relentless exertion.

"I am immensely honoured to have been given the opportunity to lead this ground-breaking expedition."

Royal Navy Captain Robert Falcon Scott's uncompleted venture in 1912 was the last time service personnel were involved in a trip to the South Pole.

Tomorrow Capt Chapple's team will hold a remembrance service for all those who have lost their lives, including all five members of Scott's 1912 expedition, in the exploration of the north and south poles.

The four-man team will then use kites to harness the wind on their return journey in temperatures as low as -27C, which will take up to 20 days.