The 27-year-old risked polar bear attacks and endured temperatures as low as -30C as he trekked 70 miles across vast snowy plains.

But after five days Oliver finally reached his goal of standing on top of the world.

To celebrate he stuck his Pompey flag into the ice and got out a copy of The News, as pictured.

Oliver, who was diagnosed as having a profound hearing loss when he was 18 months old, has already raised £24,000 from the adventure – half of which is going to the National Society for Deaf Children.

Speaking through a sign language specialist, he told The News: 'It was extremely exciting. I felt I had achieved something very big.

'It was just an amazing experience.

'I'm very proud of managing to do it. Hopefully, it will inspire others. It shows people that no matter what your situation, you can achieve your goals.'

Oliver, a web designer from Waterlooville, has completed eight marathons in eight world capitals in two years to prepare him for the trek, during which he had to drag a pack weighing as much as a sack of potatoes and rely on a series of hand signals to keep him safe.

Despite treacherous conditions he could not use a radio to call for help if anything went wrong – and had to remain within eye contact of his seven fellow explorers.

Expedition leader Mike Thornewill said Oliver's disability may have even helped him reach the North Pole.

He said: 'Oliver became very quickly attuned to the environment. He always found the best places through pressure ridges and across thin ice.

'In some ways his disability, which heightened his other senses, was to his advantage.'

Oliver was part of a team taking part in the challenge for the charity who will be collecting up to £27,000 each.

Anyone interested in trying out a sponsored walk to the North Pole can log on to www.polarchallenge.org