A MOUNTAINEER is launching a campaign to boost the tourism industry in Yorkshire.

Alan Hinkes, from Northallerton, North Yorkshire, is fronting Yorkshire’s Great Outdoors, a campaign for tourism agency Welcome to Yorkshire in partnership with the National Trust.

From rock climbing and mountain biking to trekking, hiking and surfing, Yorkshire’s Great Outdoors aims to spotlight the range of activities there is to do in the county.

Mr Hinkes, who is the first Briton to have climbed the world’s 14 highest mountains, said: “Yorkshire has everything for the outdoors – it’s where my outdoor experiences began.

“You can climb and walk on the hills, and cave and pothole under them. There’s canoeing, kayaking, mountain biking, sailing and surfing – the list is endless.

“This campaign is a great way of showcasing what outdoor activities can be done in Yorkshire, even indoor climbing walls, while promoting health, fitness and wellbeing.”

The 55-year-old is one of only 12 people alive to have climbed the world’s 14 highest mountains, which, at more than 8,000m, are in the “death zone”, where human survival rate is measured in hours.

He can often be found climbing in some of his favourite spots across Yorkshire, including Brimham Rocks, in Nidderdale, and Almscliff, between Harrogate and Otley.

Mr Hinkes’ favourite beauty spots include Castle Bolton, in Wensleydale, Ribblehead Viaduct, North Yorkshire, and Richmond.

Gary Verity, chief executive of Welcome to Yorkshire, said: “We are thrilled that Alan is launching our exciting new campaign. He is a terrific ambassador for Yorkshire’s Great Outdoors.

“By showcasing all there is to see and do, we hope to open up Yorkshire and its stunning natural beauty to an even wider range of visitors, whether it’s for a gentle stroll to an exhilarating rock climb.”

Mr Hinkes will officially launch the campaign at the Outdoors Show, in ExCel London, from Thursday to Saturday.

Mr Hinkes started his mountaineering career while at Northallerton Grammar School.

He progressed to the Alps with ascents of many difficult mountains, including the notorious north face of the Eiger, eventually graduating to the Himalayas.

He is also an honorary citizen of his home town and was named Yorkshireman of the Year 2005.