A polar explorer from Bradford had to survive 48 hours of freak blizzards with only a flask of water and a packet of nuts.

Mother-of-three Ann Daniels and her two female colleagues were buffeted by wild winds in an Arctic storm as they tried to make progress towards their North Pole target.

Unable to pitch their tents, the trio had to huddle together and wrap themselves in tent liner between their sledges to keep warm. And the nuts and water were all they had to keep themselves going until the storm blew past and they could at last get at their provisions.

Ann, originally from Allerton, along with Caroline Hamilton, 35, of London and Pom Oliver, 50, of Sussex, hope to be the first all women team to reach both the North and South Poles.

Her eight-year-old triplets Lucy, Joseph and Rachel are being looked after by their grandparents Kathleen and John Hardacre in Ann's current home in Whimple, Exeter.

Kathleen, of Allerton, said: "I was worried when I heard about the difficulties Ann has been having but she'll fight it out. She has the survival instinct. They are all in one piece and are now off again with a bang."

She added: "The children miss their mum and they pray for her every night." After the storm the women had a day of rest to allow for rehydration and physical recovery.

Geraldine McGrory, spokes-man for the M&G North Pole Expedition which 37-year-old Ann organised, said: "After their frightening experience the team are even more determined to succeed.

"The fact they are all very well prepared and well trained has stood them in good stead and probably helps them to stay strong. They are also a very good team combination."

The group is moving again and has now covered more than 11 miles.

Ice conditions are improving, however. In comparison to previous temperatures of below -50 degrees Celsius, Ann described the current -46 degrees Celsius as "relatively warm".