Snow patrol

Chris Bowles, a 15-year-old from Wheldrake, skied across a 50-kilometre section of the famous Hardanger Plateau in Norway to raise funds for international charity FARM-Africa.

He was joined by his father, a qualified mountain leader, and two of his work colleagues on the arduous trek.

The group spent six days ski touring in the Norwegian mountains near Finse.

The expedition included a night in a snow hole, which they dug themselves, and a 24km ski trek through a blizzard in white-out conditions.

Chris, a student at Fulford School, in York, described the trip as a fantastic experience, but very challenging.

"The snow was several metres deep, and it completely covered the local huts at times so only the chimneys were showing," he said.

"It was hard work carrying our full packs, especially as we were constantly buffeted by the gale force winds.

"But we had to carry all oururvival gear, together with other essential equipment. For long sections, we could see nothing in the driving snow, so we had to keep close together to make sure we didn't get separated. It was a great relief when we finally arrived at Finse."

The plateau belies potentially treacherous weather conditions.

In March this year, two Scottish cross-country skiers froze to death when caught in adverse weather.

Polly Symondson, community and events manager at FARM-Africa, described Chris as truly inspirational.

She said: "We are extremely grateful to Chris as he has taken on such a huge physical and mental challenge for the charity.

"We are enormously proud of his efforts to help lift some of Africa's poorest families out of poverty."

FARM-Africa works in six countries in Africa and aims to reduce poverty through developing innovative approaches to natural resource management.

Anybody wishing to contribute to Chris's fundraising can send cheques to FARM-Africa, Clifford's Inn, Fetter Lane London, EC4A 1BZ or phone 01904 449829.

To find out more about out the charity by visiting its website at: www.farmafrica.org.uk