Alan Hinkes began his challenge to climb all 14 peaks in 1987

Mr Hinkes, 50, from Northallerton, is travelling to the eastern Himalayas next month to make another attempt to climb Kangchenjunga.

At 8,586m (28,169ft) the mountain is the world's third highest peak and is renowned as a dangerous climb.

If Mr Hinkes is successful, he will be the first Briton and one of only 12 mountaineers to have stood at the top of all 14 peaks which are above 8,000m.

The 13 he has already climbed include Everest, K2 and Annapurna.

Broken arm

His attempt to climb Kangchenjunga in 2000 had to be abandoned because of bad weather.

On his way down he fell into a crevasse, breaking an arm.

This time, he says, he knows what is in store.

"The terrain is very difficult and once on the mountain there is a serious danger of avalanche and rockfall.

"I am not however worried. I am returning to an old friend and I am really looking forward to it," Mr Hinkes added.