HEADTEACHER Carol Ann Penrose said the Arctic expedition was "seriously tough" but said there was still time for a spot of "mum dancing" on the trip.

Together with the pupils, she had to go through gruelling strength and endurance sessions before getting on the plane to Greenland – and it didn't get any easier there.

Ms Penrose said: "It was seriously tough. There was one day where I was really struggling, I had to take myself away to the tent for half an hour and get a grip.

"You're pulling sledges up and down hills, skiing for six or seven hours a day in all the elements, even when it was sunny there were strong winds and snow.

"When you stop you have to set up camp, so you have to put the tents up, dig the latrine and ice wall for privacy and put the polar bear fences up.

"And that's before thinking about cooking. Then you have to boil the snow to melt it ... they just got on with it all."

The pupils reported with some glee their headteacher's mishap with the polar bear fence, she accidentally set it off one night, and she laughed: "Oh, they told you that did they?

"I did some 'mum dancing' too, and the kids all said 'that's embarrassing'!

"It was in relief after finally getting a proper wash for the first time in two weeks!"

While the aim of the Polar Academy is to provide a boost to the youngsters' self-esteem, Ms Penrose said she couldn't help but be inspired by the trip.

She explained: "It was a once in a lifetime trip for me too. You just couldn't do it justice in two weeks, there was so much to see.

"The helicopter ride was fantastic, the northern lights was a real highlight and the scenery was just spectacular.

"You get a real sense of nature and timelessness, a sense of insignificance too when you see mountains that have been there for millions of years.

"The silence too. It's so quiet."

Ms Penrose said any initial concerns about travelling to such a remote part of the world were swiftly dispelled.

She explained: "Craig and his team were so professional, we had a clear sense that we were 100 per cent safe.

"We were probably more at risk getting the bus back from Glasgow Airport!"

The polar expedition team from Lochgelly will now aim to inspire schoolchildren from across Fife with visits to primaries and high schools lined up.

Ms Penrose concluded: "It's important we look at every opportunity to inspire the kids coming through."