Alan Hinkes started his bid to climb the 14 peaks in 1987

Mr Hinkes, aged 50 and from Northallerton, North Yorkshire, secured his place in the record books by climbing Kangchenjunga in Nepal.

Monday's successful final assault on the summit means he has now conquered all mountains over a height of 8,000m.

"Getting back to base camp was one of the best feelings of my life," Mr Hinkes said.

"I just sat down in my tent and thought I've finally done it!"

Accompanying him on the final ascent was his friend Pasang Gelu.

The pair left their base camp on 26 May for what proved to be the hardest climb Mr Hinkes says he has ever undertaken.

Alan Hinkes surveys the scenery during his ascent of Kanchenjunga

After spending a night at 7,400m (24,247ft) they made an attempt on the summit on Sunday but were beaten back by the weather.

But an 18 hour climb the next day ended successfully.

Speaking when he returned to base camp, Mr Hinkes said: "More snow had fallen but we made good time."

"Mr climbing partner Pasang had to stop around 15 minutes short of the summit due to exhaustion.

"I reached the summit in driving snow and wind. It was the worst summit conditions I can remember."

At 8,586m (28,169ft), Kanchenjunga is the world's third highest mountain and was the final hurdle in Mr Hinkes' challenge, which started in 1987.

An attempt by him to climb the peak had to be abandoned in 2000 because of bad weather.