RECORD-breaking mountaineer Rhys Jones has embarked on a new adventure that threatens to be just as tough as anything he has attempted before.

Rhys, 21, has flown to Iceland at the start of a 32-day attempt to conquer the three highest peaks in the Arctic Circle.

Before they even start climbing, the three-man expedition must complete a gruelling 120-mile trek across the ice to reach the mountains.

The trio are currently in the Icelandic capital of Reykjavik after jetting out from Gatwick on Sunday.

Rhys, of Bartley in the New Forest, said: "From here we'll sail to Greenland aboard a 60ft yacht called Aurora.

"We will then undertake a long walk across the ice on skies, dragging our sledges behind us, before we start the climbing phase of the expedition.

"It's a long way to walk before a climb and I've never skied before, so it will be a steep learning curve."

Rhys and his two companions have decided to tackle the highest peak first.

They will attempt to conquer the 3,693-metre Gunnbjorn Fjeld before moving on to the Qaqqaq Kershaw (3,683m) and Qaqqaq Johnson (3,669m).

"I just want to get it done," added Rhys. "Everything will be fine once we get into the rhythm and start doing what we came to do."

Last year he became the youngest person to scale the highest peak on each of the world's seven continents, reaching the summit of Everest on his 20th birthday. His record-breaking achievement is featured on a new set of stamps launched to mark the birth of Scouting 100 years ago.

Rhys, a member of the 2nd New Forest North (Stanley's Own) Scout Group, said: "The images on the six stamps really reflect the adventure that I and my friends have got out of Scouting."

The Greenland trip appeared doomed when Rhys revealed that he was £25,000 short of funds just days before his sponsorship deadline was due to expire.

However, Southampton law firm Warner Goodman stepped in at the 11th hour and donated an undisclosed sum to keep his dreams alive.