A KITE powered snow buggy could be the future of polar travel thanks to Bolton explorer extraordinaire Brian Cunningham.

The unique "Kit Kat Ice Kites" buggy, pulled by a kite ranging in size between two and 10 square metres, will be used in a record breaking bid to travel from the South Pole across Antarctica in 10 days, cutting the normal two-month journey time.

Ambitious Brian was originally half of a two-man team planning to be the first people to conquer the North Pole, the South Pole and the Greenland Ice Cap within 12 months. Due to lack of sponsorship interest that expedition had to be cancelled in June, but Brian's enthusiasm was not knocked.

He had developed a fascination for the kites which would have been used during the second part of their journey through the Greenland Ice Cap, this grew and a new idea was born.

He said: "I thought: 'Why go through all the hard work of spending months on skis when the technology was there to have fun and travel in style. This could revolutionise the way in which people look at polar travel'."

Brian was amazed at how quickly the idea has become a reality. Within a month they had secured sponsorship from Kit Kat and Toshiba as well as the support of Formula 1 engineer and veteran kiter and designer, Keiron Bradley, who has designed the two Kit Kat Ice Kites specially for this journey.

Although previous travelling partner Paul Landry was unable to make the trip, Brian found himself a new partner in long-term friend Jamie Young. Together they have tried out the revolutionary equipment, first on Pendine beach in South Wales, then in Les Diablerets in Switzerland.

"These things are unbelievable, what Keiron Bradley has done is jaw dropping. They are filled with exotic materials to make them light, but strong enough to withstand the extreme conditions we may face."

The buggies will store all the equipment and supplies needed for the journey and are capable of travelling up to 65 miles per hour, although for safety Brian only intends to take them up to 20.

The pair are leaving home on December 16 and are due to arrive at the South Pole on December 23.

"How long it will take is anybody's guess, but we have chosen what we think is the perfect route which takes us downhill and keeps the wind behind us.

"If we are successful people will be copying us for years to come . It will become a speed race and it wouldn't surprise me if they started racing snow buggies in the future and we will have opened that opportunity.

"The hero of this expedition is the buggies, they are clean, fast and exciting and this trip will be about using new skills and most of all having fun. I can't wait to get out there."