Everest defeats climber
A Shropshire man aiming to scale the seven highest peaks in the world has failed in his first attempt on the world's highest mountain - Everest.
Andrew Wilkinson, from Albrighton, director of studies at Moreton Hall School near Oswestry, was forced to turn back three weeks after leaving base camp - and two days before another 12 members of the Adventure Peaks expedition reached the summit.
Mr Wilkinson is hoping to scale the highest mountains on every continent.
He has climbed the other six and hoped to complete his challenge yesterday.
Zak Poulton, from Adventure Peaks, said Mr Wilkinson had not been feeling strong enough to mount the final assault on Everest.
"There is possibly a weather window on May 20 when the four who turned back may be able to have another attempt," said Mr Poulton.
Two years ago Mr Wilkinson was pulled to safety from a crevasse when he fell while climbing the 16,000ft Mount Vinson, Antarctica's highest peak.
