Gary Barlow is planning a hike to the North Pole

The Take That singer – who let a celebrity charity expedition up Mount Kilimanjaro last year – is hoping to convince a group of showbiz pals to join him on the gruelling arctic trip in spring 2012 to raise money for BBC Sport Relief.

His latest challenge is likely to take a week to complete.

A source told Britain's The Sun newspaper: "Gary loves a challenge, so as soon as he finished the Kilimanjaro trip he was working out what to do next. There was talk of climbing Everest but that's a seriously tough exercise.

"Getting to the North Pole is not exactly easier but it is more do-able and takes less time."

Gary already seems to be shaping up for the challenge - after the singer and his Take That bandmates agreed to ban alcohol at their concerts next year.

The group - who have been rejoined by Robbie Williams - will only serve soft drinks backstage during their proposed epic 54-date tour for the sake of the 'Angels' singer and bandmate Mark Owen, who have battled alcohol problems in the past.

A source said: "It's a sensitive subject but alcohol will be off limits for the band and crew. Their last tour was one giant party and for Mark and Robbie's sake, that just won't work this time around."