Briton makes 19th ascent of Everest, the most climbs by a non-Sherpa

A British climber beat his own record on May 18 for the most climbs of Mount Everest by a non-Sherpa, making his 19th ascent of the world's highest mountain, a hiking official said.

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KATHMANDU -

Britain's Mr Kenton Cool, 51, climbed the 8,849m peak in the morning and was descending to lower camps, said Mr Rajan Bhattarai of Nepali expedition organising company Himalayan Guides.

Fellow climbers hailed the record as "legendary".

"His experience, charisma, and strength make him a valuable part of the Everest community," said Mr Adrian Ballinger of US-based Alpenglow Expeditions.