The British team of wounded veterans who took part in the Virgin Money Allied Challenge to walk to the South Pole on behalf of the charity Walking With The Wounded arrived back on British soil today, several days behind schedule but still in time for Christmas.

Prince Harry was not with them, as, not wishing to steal the limelight, he flew back quietly yesterday.

The British squad landed at Heathrow shortly before 10am local time today after completing a remarkable trek to the South Pole. The trip was bedevilled by atrocious conditions and was completed against the odds, although a competitive race element had to be abandoned as some of the teams started to pick up injuries.

The teams had been due to get back last week but were continuously delayed by bad weather.