WILMSLOW Rugby Club's Andrew Walker has been coaching kids as part of the Arctic Rugby Challenge.

Walker helped break a Guinness World Record – still to be ratified – when he trekked for three weeks across the Arctic to play the ‘northernmost’ game of rugby.

The 27-year-old joined 13 others, including former internationals Tim Stimpson and Ollie Phillips, for the world record attempt at the North Pole in April.

Mascot 'Archie' has continued hard work helping children's charity of rugby Wooden Spoon to promote its Arctic Rugby Challenge and raise awareness of the fundraising that is tied in.

Three-year-old Arthur Harrison won a national competition run by Wooden Spoon to name the mascot.

Arthur came face to face with Archie this week and his Poynton Rugbytots group had a training session with Walker as part of the prize.

Walker, who is a solicitor with Evershed’s in Manchester, said: “Archie is fantastic name for our polar bear mascot. Now he has a name he feels even more part of our team.

"He’s been doing a great job helping to tell the story of our amazing Arctic Rugby Challenge. What is certain is that we’d not have been so keen to get close to a real polar bear when we were in the Arctic. They aren’t as cuddly as they seem!”

Alick Willis, who trains 400 Cheshire youngsters at Rugbytots, said the visit has given his youngsters a real boost.

“It has been great to have a visit from one of the Arctic players. For our youngsters it is all about having fun around rugby, so it is no surprise that the polar bear proved to be a huge attraction!”

To find out more visit www.arcticrugbychallenge.org Text to donate ARCT01 £2, £5 or £10 to 70070.

The Arctic Challenge was a once-in-a-lifetime opportunity for Walker and company.

“It was the most incredible experience to have been a part of," he said.