Ex-Commando To Climb Mountain At 77

A former Royal Marine has agreed to travel to Scotland and climb the Old Man of Hoy - at the ripe old age of 77.

Ex-commando Mike Banks last clambered up the 450ft column in the Orkney Islands when he was a sprightly 71.

That made him the oldest climber to have scaled the peak,and now he wants to reclaim the title that was taken from him a few years ago.

While most men his age are sitting back and putting their feet up,he's set to tackle one of Britain's most intimidating climbs.

It will be the third time he has climbed the landmark,considered by many to be the most difficult and inaccessible summit in the British Isles.

"I have been climbing since I was in my twenties and think nature will probably tell me when it is time to stop" he said.

"My knees are a bit creaky but my hands are still strong and I have every faith that my limbs will get me to the top.

"It is a spectacular climb that requires a high technical standard and you have got to be quite an experienced climber to do it it."

Mike was awarded an MBE in 1958 for scaling the 25,000ft Rakaposhi in Kashmir without oxygen.

He also spent two years crossing the Greenland Icecap during the 1950s.

He will be joined on the climb by 59-year-old Yorkshire woman Angela Soper,vice-president of the British Mountaineering Council.

They will be cheered on by friends and family,including volunteers from Bristol-based ME charity Westcare.

Director Richard Sykes said Mikes fitness was an example to everyone.

"We are very grateful to Angela and Mike for taking on this intimidating climb on our behalf" he said.

"Mike's boldness and fitness at 77 is quite extraordinary and a real inspiration to his fellow climbers.

"We hope it will inspire others to help Westcare bring more support to the thousands of people with ME in the UK."

Mike says it won't be the last time he shocks a few people."I'm not planning to stop until my toes curl up and I die."

Mike's wife Pat said this morning that she was not worried about her husband's latest expedition.

"I am more concerned when he is out driving my car to be honest" she joked at their home in Bath,Somerset.

"Mike has always been a good climber and I have every faith in him.He has been up it twice before so he knows what he is up to."

Pat said the last time Mike climbed the rock,setting a new record when he was 71,was a bit terrifying as a lightning storm moved in.

"With all that steel and metal attached to him,I was a bit concerned for a while,but thankfully he got up and down alright.

"I have learnt over the years that it will do me no good to worry about him.

"When you marry a climber,you know that it does you no good because he will just do it anyway."

The devoted wife said Mike had tried to get her involved in climbing,but it was not really her cup of tea.

"The most I will do is a bit of hill walking although I always go along to support Mike and take still photographs of his climbs."