Time capsule to travel from Essex to Antarctica

Captain Ralph Stevens encouraged people of all ages to sign up for Tickets to Antarctica before RRS Sir David Attenborough sets sail

Thousands of people's names will be transported in a time capsule from Essex to Antarctica.

The UK's RRS Sir David Attenborough will set off on its 8,000km (4,970 mile) journey from Harwich on Sunday.

The names of people who added their name to an online list will be printed on tickets which will be taken to the Rothera Research Station in Antarctica.

The ship's captain, Ralph Stevens, said it was a great way of getting people of all ages involved in the British Antarctic Survey's work.

"Everything we do is about the science and projects like the Ticket to Antarctica are able to inspire the next generation of polar explorers," he said.

People who have signed up for the free Ticket to Antarctica scheme will be able to follow the ship's adventure through weekly email postcard updates.

RRS Sir David Attenborough will be on its next mission until July next year, Mr Stevens said.

The researchers on board the vessel will be aiming to uncover the secrets of the planet's frozen regions.

RRS Sir David Attenborough was the vessel that at one stage was set to be called Boaty McBoatface following a vote from members of the public in 2016.