MEMBERS of an Everest expedition led by a mountaineer from the region are using Viagra tablets to help them get up.

Alan Hinkes, from Northallerton, North Yorkshire, is part of a group of climbers attempting the world's highest peak to raise £1 million for the Alzheimers Society.

The trek, organised by supermarket Iceland, is well underway, with Mr Hinkes and fellow climber Malcolm Walker already meeting the North Col 23,000 ft above sea level.

As well as the usual health precautions, the 13-man team are armed with Viagra to help them absorb more oxygen into their blood.

The expedition doctor, George Rodway, an expert in high-altitude medicine, said: "Some people at extreme altitude run out of juice: they have no energy.

"Viagra can dilate the blood vessels in the lungs in the same way as it does to help erectile dysfunction. It can improve blood flow and expose the body to more oxygen."

The drug is commonly used to tackle erectile disfunction in men but some heart patients are prescribed courses of the pill to help blood circulation.

Viagra expands the capillaries in the small air sacks in the lungs where the walls of the blood vessels are thinnest and most oxygen is absorbed.

Gina Waggott, the only female team member, will not be going to the summit, meaning only men will take part in the final part of the ascent when the drug is most likely to come into use.

Expedition member David Hempleman-Adams said: "We are a lot of alpha males and we are worried about what will happen, but the doctor has assured us that as long as we are not having any sexual thoughts there shouldn't be a problem,"

"And those kind of thoughts won't exactly be top of our list when we are at 28,000ft."

A team chef has also treated the expedition to a variety of ready meals while on the climb, including beouf Bourguignon and organic salmon.

Mr Hinkes was awarded an OBE after becoming the first Briton to climb the 14 mountains in the world which are over 8,000m.

To sponsor the trek visit justgiving.com/icelandeverest.