MONMOUTH MP David Davies has helped a charity raising awareness of Britain’s Antarctic heritage to celebrate a landmark anniversary at Westminster.

The UK Antarctic Heritage Trust (UKAHT) marked the 70th anniversary of Operation Tabarin, which laid the foundations for a continuous British presence in the Polar regions to the present day, with a reception in the Terrace Pavilion at the House of Commonslaid the foundations for one of the most important and enduring government sponsored programmes of scientific research in the Polar Regions, with a special exhibition and reception at the Houses of Parliament.

UKAHT conserves early British scientific bases and artefacts in Antarctica and encourages public interest in Antarctic heritage. The charity works to ensure that the legacy from this heroic age of exploration and scientific endeavour remains to inspire current and future generations.

Supporters and MPs from across the UK gathered in the Terrace Pavilion at the House of Commons for a special reception to help UKAHT commemorate 70 years of continuous British presence in Antarctica.Mr Davies was joined by David Willetts MP, minister for universities and science. Mr Davies said: “Wales has a very important Antarctic story to tell and this remarkable charity is keeping it alive.”

Donald Lamont, chairman of UKAHT, added: “We are proud to celebrate what has been achieved through the restoration of Port Lockroy, one of the stations built during Operation Tabarin, instigated by the political decision taken in 1943 to open three stations in the Antarctic peninsula.