Whilst many foreigners were spending their Christmas and New Year in Almuñécar, one Almuñequero was spending his in the Antarctic.

Carlos Cano is a naval rating on board the Spanish, oceanic-research ship, Hespérides, which  is carrying out an expedition code-named Malaspina and has taken the crew and ship around the world during its 7-month voyage.

“I’m young and have no family commitments, which allows me to travel freely. It’s a privilege to see the world, thanks to my job,” he explained.

He had originally wanted to be a submariner, but the chance to serve on the Hespérides came up and he didn’t think twice about ‘changing course.’

No doubt our ex-RN Ed, will be swinging a wistful lantern when he proofreads this; bless his salty socks.

(News: Almunecar, Costa Tropical, Granada, Andalucia)