BRITAIN'S most successful high-altitude climber has described how he was nearly shot by gun-toting soldiers as he returned from conquering the world's seventh highest peak.

Alan Hinkes was speaking at his first appearance back in the North-East after reaching the summit of Dhaulagiri, in Nepal.

The Himalayan mountain is the 13th of the 14 peaks taller than 8,000m which Mr Hinkes hopes to conquer - leaving him just one climb short of completing the remarkable challenge.

He said: "I was approaching a village when I heard someone shout 'Halt' and heard weapons being taken off their safety catches and one being cocked.

"I put my hands up and shouted'don't shoot, I am English'. I was very lucky because when they are going out on patrol they shoot first and ask questions later."

Mr Hinkes, of Northallerton, North Yorkshire, said he had reached the top of Dhaulagiri in "exceptionally tough conditions".

If he needed any more reminders of the dangers he faced, it came as he approached the summit and discovered the frozen body of an earlier climber.

He said: "There is was after ten years, perfectly preserved. It was very eerie."

When he reached the peak he took out a photo of his daughter Fiona and grandson John Allan.

He said: "The descent was incredibly scary, because the weather was becoming milder."

Asked about his future plans, Mr Hinkes joked said: "I am having a rest. All that stands in my way of climbing all 14 8000m peaks is Kangchenjunga. My focus over the next year will, of course, be on this final challenge."