RECORD-CHASING mountaineer Alan Hinkes told of his pride in his daughter last night, after she shone in the national heat of an international talent contest.

Fiona Horgan, 18, just missed out on a place in the international final of the Rose of Tralee contest, after the latest round, held in Newcastle Civic Centre, at the weekend.

She gave a reading based on her Irish family history at the competition, which is for people with an Irish connection.

"My daughter was the very first up and she was a little nervous at first," said Mr Hinkes. "She had been waiting for ages and had all her family over from Ireland - 36 of them - watching.

"It was really tough going first, but she read the story she had written herself about her grandfathers, who came from Ireland and, although I'm biased, I have to say it was excellent. She gained in confidence and we were all very proud."

Fiona's parents are separated. She lives in Birmingham with her mother, Julianne Horgan, but is considering an offer from Durham University. Mr Hinkes lives near Richmond, North Yorkshire.

The winner of the event, Nicola Morris, from Derby, will go on to the international final in Tralee, County Kerry.

Last month, Mr Hinkes, 48, returned from Annapurna, in Nepal, where he conquered the world's tenth highest mountain. He hopes to become the first Briton to climb all 14 of the world's 8,000-metre peaks.