INTREPID adventurer Alan Hinkes is on top of the world after becoming the only Briton to have conquered the world's 14 highest peaks.

The 51-year-old Northallerton grandfather earned his place in the history books after fighting his way through snow and bad weather to reach the summit of Kangchenjunga in Nepal.

It means he is the first Briton ever to stand atop each of the planet's 8,000m-plus mountains - and only the 12th in the world to do so.

Together with his friend and climbing partner Pasang Gelu, he reached the 8,587m peak on Monday last week. It took a further two days to return to base camp.

Once he reached the top he took out pictures of his daughter Fiona, 21, and baby grandson Jay and recorded the feat on film.

Alan's epic quest began 18 years ago, when he conquered the 8,000m peak Shishma Pangma and his efforts to climb Kangchenjunga, the world's third highest mountain, had been thwarted twice before, once by weather, once by illness.

Speaking from his 6,000m base camp last Thursday he admitted: "The final summit push was without a doubt the hardest climb of my life.

"Every step of the way was a matter of physical and mental endurance."

Alan said they tried for a summit attempt on May 29, but were beaten back by the weather and set out again last Monday.

He said: "I reached the summit at around 7pm in driving snow and wind. It was the worst summit conditions I can remember. I took the obligatory photo, spent around ten minutes on the summit and then began my descent."

The climber added: "Getting back to base camp was one of the best feelings of my life. I sat down in my tent and thought I've finally done it!"