WHEN pensioner Elizabeth Mann conquered Mount Kinabalu two years ago, she was determined to tackle another famous peak.

Now, the 71-year-old from Darlington has achieved her goal, by reaching the summit of Mount Kilimanjaro, in Tanzania.

For Mrs Mann, of Milbank Court, the climb brought back memories of her husband, Stanley, who died after a heart attack in 2000.

The couple had travelled the world on walking holidays together.

In 2002, Mrs Mann climbed Kinabalu, a 4,093m peak in Borneo, in his memory.

She was so inspired by the experience that she pledged to climb Kilimanjaro, another of their favourite places.

She said: "In 1979, we celebrated our silver wedding with a two-week safari to Tanzania and Kenya, culminating in a hot air balloon ride to see the mountain.

"We had planned to return this year for our golden wedding but, because Stanley died in 2000, I decided to attempt the climb as a tribute to him and as a personal challenge to myself."

She took an experienced guide with her to tackle Kilimanjaro, which at 5,895m is Africa's tallest mountain.

Of the final assault, she said: "It was the longest day of my life and success was due mainly to determination, a positive attitude and a good guide."

Mrs Mann has now decided to end her climbing days.

"Having climbed Kilimanjaro, I will be content to walk in my beloved Teesdale and Arkengarthdale. Training on their rocky paths was instrumental to my success," she said.