AN Appleton explorer has battled against exhaustion and severe weather conditions to realise his dream and conquer the world's highest mountain.

Matthew Holt, aged 41, defeated the treacherous slopes of Mount Everest on May 30 as part of the successful Alpine Ascents expedition team.

A financial analyst, who now lives in South Africa, Matthew now holds the prestigious accolade of climbing the 'Seven Summits' - the highest peaks in each of the world's continents.

But it wasn't a climb without incident, as high winds delayed the final push for the summit for three days, with the team taking shelter at Camp Four (26,000ft).

At times, the winds blew so severely that tents were completely shredded.

Matthew's challenge will be the last climb of Mount Everest in 2003 because the start of the monsoon season prevents any further attempts.

Everest takes two months to climb, and Matthew and his fellow mountaineers had to repeatedly climb up and down between Camps One and Two before moving higher to acclimatise and grow accustomed to the difficult breathing conditions.

Matthew's parents, who live in Milford Gardens, were delighted at their son's feat, and his proud father, John, said: "Matthew telephoned home and was exhilarated after the climb.

"He found it very tough going and was absolutely exhausted afterwards. It's a wonderful achievement, but he's glad it's all over. We just hope it's the last time!"

As well as Mount Everest, Matthew has climbed the peaks of Aconcagua (Nepal/Tibet), Denali (Alaska, North America), Kilimanjaro (Tanzania), Elbrus (Russia), Vinson Massif (Ellsworth Range, Antarctica) and Mount Kosciuszko (Australia).

Matthew attended Appleton Hall Grammar School from 1974-80 before going on to Cambridge University, where he met his wife, Fiona.

Now living in the shadow of the majestic Table Mountain, Matthew still finds time to return home and visit his proud parents in Appleton.