A TOP mountaineer has announced an expedition which he hopes will put him into the record books.

Alan Hinkes, of Northallerton, is flying out to the Himalayas at the end of next month to climb Kangchenjunga, the world's third highest mountain.

If he is successful in climbing the 8,586-metre peak, he will become the first Briton and one of only 12 people to have conquered all the world's 8,000-metre mountains.

Mr Hinkes had to abandon an attempt on the mountain in May 2000 after bad weather conditions. On his descent a snow bridge across a crevasse collapsed and he fell into it, breaking an arm.

Mr Hinkes said: "Kangchenjunga lies at the eastern extreme of the Himalayas and is exposed to exceptionally bad weather conditions as the monsoon period moves in.

"This isn't my first visit to Kangchenjunga and I know what lies in store. The terrain is very difficult and once on the mountain there is a very serious danger of avalanche and rockfall.

"I am, however, not worried. It feels like I am returning to an old friend and I am really looking forward to it.

"As I have always said I climb to live, not to die - the summit is always optional but returning is mandatory."

News of Mr Hinkes progress will be sent back to the UK via the Berghaus web site, www.berghaus.com