In just a few short weeks, if all goes to plan, the name Elton Studsworthy will be a household word.

Two household words, in fact, for if he is successful Mr Studsworthy will be the first person in history to climb the Orinoco.

Formidable

Mr Studsworthy has been climbing for over twenty-five years. Not continuously, obviously - that would be silly. Nevertheless, he has managed to conquer some of the most formidable slopes this planet has to offer, including K2, Makalu and Nanga Parbat (go on - look them up).

He's also done Everest the hard way - backwards up the North Face, whilst blindfolded and wearing a flaming straitjacket.

Challenges

For such an accomplished climber there are very few challenges left, and so now that he has conquered the world's tallest peaks, Studsworthy has set himself the task of climbing the world's longest rivers.

Studsworthy has chosen the Orinoco for his first river climb as he believes it should not present him with too much of a challenge. He has already spent a great deal of time waterproofing his crampons and treating his tent with a specially developed piranha repellent.

And if this attempt is successful, he hopes to tackle the Zambezi next spring.