AN SAS soldier's frostbitten toes which tell their own story of being stranded overnight on Everest are featured in a ground-breaking exhibition celebrating the first ever ascent of the world's highest mountain.

Everest: The Top Of The World opened to the public at the Rheged Discovery Centre, Penrith, yesterday (Thursday) - the 50th anniversary of Edmund Hillary and Tenzing Norgay's historic climb.

Exhibition organiser Robin Ashcroft said the toes belong to a Major Bronco Lane, who in 1976 was given leave from the Special Air Service to take part in an army assignment to climb Everest.

He - along with fellow SAS member Brummie Stokes - reached the top but were forced to spend the night in a snow hole.

They suffered badly from frostbite and had their toes amputated but later returned to their army careers.

In the true spirit of SAS humour, Bronco decided to have his toes preserved and placed behind the bar in the regimental mess. He is due to give a talk as part of the exhibition, and said: "I was rather literally attached to my toes and it's great that they can play a useful part in helping to tell Everest's full story.."

Major Lane and Mr Stokes will give a lecture in the Bluebird Bar at Rheged next Tuesday, with tickets costing £10.

Along with frostbitten toes, the exhibition, which runs for a year, will feature a range of events and attractions.

Between now and June 14, an elite band of climbers who have scaled Everest are lecturing at Rheged. They include Mike Westmacott, of Staveley; George Lowe and George Band, who took part in the successful 1953 expedition. For further detail contact Rheged on 01768-868005.

May 30, 2003 09:30