BRITAIN'S leading extreme altitude mountaineer Alan Hinkes has successfully climbed Dhaulagiri, the world's seventh highest peak.

He has now reached the top of 13 of the 14 mountains higher than 8,000 metres and is close to completing "Challenge 8000" to be the first Briton to climb them all.

Mr Hinkes, of Northallerton, North Yorkshire, reached the top of Dhaulagiri, Nepal, on May 17, in exceptionally tough conditions. Accompanying him was his Nepalese friend and climbing partner, Pasang Gelu.

As usual, on reaching the top, Mr Hinkes took out a photograph of his daughter, Fiona, and had his summit photos taken.

He and Pasang then started their descent, often the most dangerous part of an expedition.

After a very difficult climb down, they reached base camp on the afternoon of May19. There, the expedition cooks rustled up egg and chips, chapatis and hot, milky tea.

Mr Hinkes said: "This has been a really tough expedition and a great effort from all of my team.

"I've successfully made it to the summit of Dhaulagiri and returned safely, which is always my main aim.

"All that stands in my way of climbing 14 8000 metre peaks is Kangchenjunga, and my focus over the next year will of course be on this final Challenge 8000 summit. For now, I want to get home, see Fiona and have a well earned rest."