NEW FOREST climber Rhys Jones entered the record books last summer when he became the youngest person ever to scale the highest mountains on all seven continents.

The mountaineer from Bartley reached the summit of Mount Everest on May 17 - his 20th birthday.

He had already climbed Denali in North America, Aconcagua in South America, Mt Vinson in Antarctica, Elbrus in Europe and Kilimanjaro in Africa.

On his return from Everest, Jones was met at Heathrow Airport by his mum and sister and driven back home in a Rolls-Royce provided by Lord Montagu of Beaulieu.

But Everest wasn't just about breaking records for the young adventurer. He was also fulfilling a childhood ambition. Jones had dreamt of conquering Everest ever since joining the Scouts at the tender age of 11.

When news of the teenager's successful climb reached the Scout group in Copythorne where he is a leader, the youngsters held a party in his honour.

Special congratulations were also given by Sir Chay Blyth and Dame Ellen MacArthur.

Last year Jones set another first becoming the first person outside the Rotary Club to receive the Paul Harris Fellowship, the highest award a Rotarian can receive.

Jones, who runs his own motivational speaking charity Youth Unlimited, set himself the task of raising £29,035 - £1 for every foot in height of Everest - for Wessex Heartbeat, the charity that supports the Wessex Cardiac Centre at Southampton General Hospital.

New Forest Rotary Club president Patrick Dibben presented Rhys with the fellowship award at a dinner held at the Balmer Lawn Hotel in Brockenhurst.

Name: Rhys Jones Occupation: world record-breaking mountaineer Date of Birth: 17 May, 1986 local link: Lives in Bartley