It is a job that involves not only sorting out mail, but also clearing huge amounts of Penguin waste.

Laura Martin, 25, has beaten off more than 2,400 applicants from 83 countries to land a job running the world's most southerly post office.

Ms Martin, a student outdoor instructor from Kingussie, had to prove she could contend with 2000 smelly penguins and clear prodigious amounts of penguin waste from the pathway outside the branch in Port Lockroy, Antarctica.

Ms Martin, who will be paid £1,100 a month for the seasonal job, will be part of a lucky quartet who travelled 11,000 miles in November to be a seasonal postie for the UK Antarctic Heritage Trust.

More than 2400 people from 83 countries applied for the next four jobs at Port Lockroy, which is part of the British Antarctica Territory.

She follows Amy Kincaid, 23, from Oban, who finished her Antarctic stint in March.

Laura was among 12 on the final shortlist and came through a two day selection process.

She said: "I have wanted to work in Antarctica since I was 12 years old, which initially inspired my interest and passion for geography.

"I am used to living in extreme environments, in close quarters and can cook tasty meals from limited produce. I am looking forward to being part of a team promoting UKAHT's work to people from around the world."