MOUNTAINEER Sir Chris Bonington dropped into a shopping centre yesterday to open an outdoor clothing and equipment store.
Sir Chris, who has climbed Mount Everest and peaks across the Himalayas, opened a Berghaus outlet in the Gateshead MetroCentre - the only branch in the UK to stock its full range of clothes, footwear, rucksacks and accessories.
The 74-year-old, who was knighted in 1996, is chairman of the company.
He said: "For five decades, I have been on a continuous adventure, seeking out new challenges and unexplored regions of the world.
"For much of that time, Berghaus kit has been my constant companion, and now the company is starting a new adventure of its own."
The shop is on the ground floor of the Red Mall.
See today's Northern Echo for a chance to win £600 worth of Berghaus kit.
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