EXMOOR explorer Sir Ranulph Fiennes has conquered the highest peak in Antarctica as part of his latest record-breaking challenge.

Sir Ranulph, 72, reached the summit of Mount Vinson, completing another peak off the list as he attempts to climb the highest mountain on every continent before May of next year.

Despite some soreness, Sir Ranulph was said to be in good spirits as he reached the 16,050 feet (4892 m) peak at around 11pm UK time on Tuesday, having battled -40C temperatures and severe winds.

Sir Ranulph has already crossed both polar ice caps, and climbed Mount Everest in Asia, Mount Kilimanjaro in Africa and Mount Elbrus in Europe.

However, he still needs to successfully summit Aconcagua in South America, Mount Carstensz in Australasia, and finally Denali, the highest peak in North America and one of the world’s most dangerous and difficult mountains to climb - only then will he complete this world first.

Sir Ranulph is using his pursuit of this landmark achievement to raise vital funds for the charity Marie Curie. The money raised will help Marie Curie provide vital care and support to people living with a terminal illness and their families in the UK.

This has all been made possible by sponsorship from long-time benefactor Paul Sykes and TMF Group.

Having reached the top of Mount Vinson, Sir Ranulph said: “I am delighted to have completed this stage of my challenge. It has been very demanding for me this at this age and not something that I take lightly at all but it is the hope of raising money for Marie Curie and the work that they do that has kept me motivated throughout.”

Sir Ranulph has raised £18m in total for charity and aims to raise £20m for good causes in his lifetime.