POLAR explorer Robert Swan has taken his new wife to warmer climes after their wedding in the North-East on Saturday.

The first man to walk unaided to both the North and South poles tied the knot with Nicole Gallacher at St Mary's Church, in Wycliffe, near Barnard Castle, County Durham.

The happy couple were joined by about 60 guests at a reception at the Morritt Arms, at nearby Greta Bridge, before they flew off to South Africa yesterday.

Mr Swan's eight-year-old son, Barney, joined the honeymoon couple as they jetted off to take part in a charity yacht race from South Africa to South America.

Mr Swan's proud mother, Margaret Swan, said that, for once, the more extreme weather held off.

She said: "It didn't rain or snow which always helps on these occasions. The setting at Wycliffe church was just wonderful and it was a real family affair."