A GREAT Antarctic explorer from the region – who was Ernest Shackleton's "right-hand man" – will have a tribute unveiled to him in his hometown next week.

A sculpture depicting the Skelton-born explorer Frank Wild has been created by a local artist to honour his exploits.

The adventurer was second-in-command on several of Ernest Shackleton's expeditions - and played a key role in one of the most celebrated tales of survival during the ill-fated 1914 voyage to the Antarctic.

The expedition was forced to abandon their ship Endurance after it became frozen in pack ice for ten months before finally being crushed by ice pressure.

He was left in charge of 21 men on desolate Elephant Island as a crew of five made an epic 800 mile voyage to the island of South Georgia aboard a lifeboat to seek help.

The crew waited on Elephant Island for seven months, surviving on a diet of seal, penguin and seaweed, before Shackleton was eventually able to return to rescue them. Point Wild on Elephant Island is named after the explorer.

Wild was born in Skelton in 1873, the first son of Benjamin and Mary, whose maiden name was Cook and was said to be descended from Captain Cook.

The family grew to eight boys and two girls, plus two children who died in infancy. WIld joined the Merchant Navy aged 16 and was began his career on the seas.

His achievements have been marked several times with the award of medals from Geographical Societies, including the Livingstone Gold Medal, for the most outstanding feat of exploration south of the Equator. He was also awarded the ‘Polar Medal with Four Clasps’ – only two of which have ever been issued.

However, he is often known as the forgotten Antarctic explorer because little has been made of his success.

Sculptor William Harding, an art college graduate originally from Middlesbrough, decided to honour him with an artwork, and asked for the sculpture to be placed in Skelton in memory of Wild.

He approached the Friends of Skelton Community Orchard group, who have created Ringrose Orchard, a garden area in the centre of the village, and asked to place the artwork there.

The Skelton History group has also put together a panel to stand alongside the sculpture, which is called Frank Wild – Shackleton's return.

The ceremony will be held Thursday at 11am at Ringrose orchard, where Anthony Wharton, of Skelton Castle, will unveil the tribute.