MOUNTAINEER Alan Hinkes may be just days away from claiming his place in climbing history.

The adventurer, from Northallerton, North Yorkshire, is attempting to become the first Briton to climb all of the world's 8,000m peaks.

In doing so, he will become only the 12th person to have stood on the 14 highest places on Earth.

He is now in Nepal tackling Kangchenjunga and, following several days on the mountain to set up Camp One, he has returned to Base Camp to rest.

He will soon be moving further up the mountain to set up Camp Two, from where he hopes to make his attempt on the summit.

However, conditions on the mountain are treacherous. A Swiss expedition attempting the same peak has already had two members injured and evacuated by helicopter.

"I am hoping there won't be a need for a third camp but, with conditions already threatening the lives of those around me, I need to make a sound judgement call when the time comes," said Mr Hinkes.

"As I have always stated, no mountain is worth a life, but with this being my final 'eight-thousander' and, having been to Kangchenjunga and failed twice already, I have my sights set firm."