Britain's leading extreme altitude mountaineer has returned to the UK following a record ascent of the world's 10th highest mountain.

Alan Hinkes has become the first Briton to climb 12 of the world's 8,000-metre peaks - including Everest and K2 - after his successful ascent of Annapurna in Nepal.

Mr Hinkes, 48, from Yorkshire, completed his climb in a record five days from base camp to summit.

He now plans to climb a further two mountains to make him the first Briton to climb all 14 of the world's highest peaks.

Annapurna is the 10th highest peak in the world

Mr Hinkes said: "There are only eight people in the world who have climbed all 14 and I'm determined to become the first Briton.

"It's a qualifiable achievement similar to Roger Bannister's four-minute mile which is remembered by everyone as a remarkable feat."

Mr Hinkes began his quest in 1987, under the banner of Challenge 8000.

He climbed the first on his list, Shisha Pangma, in 1987 and has since had a collective 25 attempts at climbing all 14.

In 1997 he hit the headlines when he sneezed on flour-coated chapati on Nanga Parbat, and injured a disc in his back.

He was trapped on the mountain for 10 days before descending and returned to climb the mountain later the same year.

It might sound as if I have a death wish but I climb to live

Alan Hinkes

Despite the dangers of Annapurna - which has a 60% death rate - Mr Hinkes said he did not take safety lightly.

He carries a picture of his 18-year-old daughter Fiona with him and unveils it at the top of every summit rather than the traditional Union flag.

He added: "It might sound as if I have a death wish but I climb to live.

"It makes me feel as if I have done something but I will always carry a picture of Fiona to remind me that nothing is worth a life."

He will now decide in August when to tackle the outstanding two Himalayan mountains, Kangchenjunga and Dhaulagiri, but hopes to complete his quest within the next two years.