A 71-YEAR-OLD widow who has climbed some of the world's highest mountains and survived a jungle expedition has been named the most adventurous person aged over 50 in the North-East.

Elizabeth Mann, from Darlington, has won the title from Saga Holidays and will now compete against mature risk-takers from all over the country in the national final on November 1.

The mother-of-two always enjoyed a challenge when travelling the world on holiday with her husband, Stanley, who helped her overcome a fear of heights.

But it was after his death four years ago that her daring streak came into its own.

She embarked on an adventure holiday in Borneo, which involved whitewater rafting, a jungle survival trip and climbing the 4,000-metre Kinabalu mountain, to raise money for the British Heart Foundation.

She said: "Near the top, I was terrified. I felt very alone. Stanley and I used to do everything together

"I just had to come down, knowing I was going back.

"The following year I went back and got to the top."

In March, the former teacher tackled Mount Kilimanjaro, on the border of Kenya and Tanzania, which is almost 6,000 metres high.

She said: "The reason I went to Kilimanjaro was because Stanley and I celebrated our 25th anniversary there and took a balloon ride to see the mountain.

"I went back in what would have been our 50th anniversary year. It was like a tribute to Stanley. I wasn't sad. I just felt he would have been proud."

In between trips abroad, Mrs Mann has taught herself Japanese, skied regularly and volunteered for the Campaign for Rural England.

She said: "I am very pleased with the title. I have just done what I have wanted to do, but without my adventures, I do not think I could have survived."