RECORD breaking explorer Pen Hadow from Hexworthy on Dartmoor was finally plucked to safety this week after being stranded at the North Pole for eight days.
The 41-year-old father of two had become the first person to trek alone and unaided from Canada to the Pole, when he completed his epic 500-mile journey more than a week ago. His hike with a 280lb sledge took more than two months.
But he was then forced to survive on dwindling rations, with nothing but his tent on floating ice for shelter, while bad weather prevented his back-up team from coming to his rescue.
After two aborted rescue attempts, an aircraft finally broke through the thick cloud and broken ice on Tuesday evening to end the adventurer?s anxious wait.
Pen, who owns the Polar Travel Company in Yelverton, was described by his rescue team as being fine but tired and hungry.
And yesterday, Pen was on his way home to Hexworthy, looking forward to some wholesome home cooking.
His wife Mary said she was planning a huge celebration for her husband?s return.
She said: ?There are an enormous number of people to thank in a very, very major way.
?An enormous amount of people have worked so hard, completely voluntarily, to help. I have felt surrounded by support.?