A DIETICIAN who doubles up as a soldier is training for a treacherous and historic trek across Antarctica.

Sheets of baron ice and killer climates await Army reservist Rin Cobb, who hopes to embark on the first female-only expedition to the continent.

The 34-year-old, who moved to Abingdon last summer, is among 12 British soldiers preparing for the 75-day trek.

Private Cobb, a combat medical technician at Abingdon's 7 Rifles reservists, said: "We were told less people have done this across the land mass than have been to space. If something goes wrong you need to be able to rely on yourself. It's an ultimate challenge.

"It's one of those places that's still pretty unspoilt from an exploring point of view. It's about the views, the beauty."

They will battle -80 degrees Celsius temperatures and 60mph wind speeds during 'Exercise Ice Maiden', a 1,700 trek passing through the South Pole.

But Private Cobb, who has completed gruelling overseas exercises during the selection process, must endure two more tests before the expedition in October 2017.

Only six will make the final cut, from 250 initial applicants.

She said: "I'm a big believer in women being able to achieve things they set their minds to, even if it's not quite what you set out to. It's that whole journey and process. What you learn is part of being alive, giving people purpose.

"Sadly in this day and age we are still not seen as equals in a lot of roles. I think it will inspire women to get up and do that thing they’ve been meaning to do, because they’ve seen this bunch of women doing this crazy thing and they’re achieving it.”

The adventurer has completed missions in the Himalayas, Borneo, Greenland and a marathon through the Sahara Desert.

She said: "I just have one of those minds that likes a challenge. I'm definitely excited - I don't underestimate how tough or dangerous it could be but by the time the team go out they will be in the best possible place.

"It all started when I was a girl scout. I feel I can do pretty much anything outdoors. It's the people you meet along the way, that comradery."

Her civilian life as a dietician took a twist 18 months ago when she signed up to 7 Rifles.

She said: "I needed something else in my life. I've got a clinical background so the medical side of things made sense. I joined and haven't looked back."

Her training regime has so far forced her to plunge into ice pools and ski for ten hours straight.

She said: "I keep a good base fitness level, I do a lot of running. We are doing tyre pulling which is a little bit odd - taking my tyre out for a walk."

In a bid to inspire younger people, the Ice Maiden trainees launched a #NameMyTyre hashtag on Twitter.

Private Cobb called hers Henry, in tribute former Rifles soldier Henry Worsley who died crossing Antarctica last year.

She said the biggest challenge before November, when she will face the next test, is the mammoth fundraising task.

She said: "However prepared we are for the trip, if we don't get the money we won't be going."

The close-knit team, who call themselves 'sisters with sledges', need £400,000 for the expedition.

For more information visit exicemaiden.com.