AN EXPLORER who returned to her native Bramhope after a groundbreaking expedition left the champagne on ice and celebrated with a pint of Tetley's, writes Vivienne Francis.

Fresh from her 695-mile trek, Zoe Hudson, who made history as part of the first all female group to conquer both the North and South Poles, popped into her local to toast her record-breaking trip with regulars.

But instead of cracking open the bubbly at the Fox and Hounds Zoe, 32, who was visiting her family, was craving a pint of her favourite tipple.

Zoe, who spent 60 days in arctic conditions, said: "It was great to be back and the beer does still taste just as good."

Zoe, a sports physiotherapist, is now easing back into life in London where she now lives. She said: "Reality has hit me now. There is a pile of work on my desk - which is not going to go away."

Rob Burcher, assistant manager at the pub said: "When Zoe reached the pole I said I would keep the champagne on ice. When she came in I thought this is going to cost me a bit. But she declined and had a couple of pints of Tetley's instead, which saved me a bob or two.

"We are really thrilled that somebody from such a small place like Bramhope has got to the South Pole."

Peter Crowther, a family friend who joined in the celebrations, said: "The thing she missed most was a pint of bitter at the Fox and Hounds in Bramhope. This was the first

opportunity and she really enjoyed the evening."

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