An East Budleigh man swapped managing level crossings for husky driving and ice fishing in freezing cold temperatures for charity.

Chris Marish, 51, of Vicarage Road, was one of six Samaritans to embark on the six-day Arctic survival challenge in the northern Swedish wilderness.

The group showed they could survive in the harsh environment where the snow was many feet thick and temperatures were as low as minus 20 degrees. More than £7,500 was raised as a result of the challenge for Mid and East Devon Samaritans.

The first three nights in the Arctic were in a log cabin with the following three nights in a tepee, heated by a central log burner.

The group had to undertake a series of tasks, including husky driving, ice fishing and building survival shelters and snow holes as well as cross-country ski walking.

Chris, whose day job involves managing rail level crossings, said: “It was very cold and actually sleeping in those conditions was quite an achievement.

“We were constantly going out to get wood just to keep the fire going.”