A TALE of Mount Everest success and lost fingers and toes is set to enthral the Ledbury and District Civic Society and guests on Friday, September 26, at 7.30am.

Former SAS officer, Major Michael Patrick ‘Bronco’ Lane was part of the successful British Army assault on the world's highest mountain, in 1976.

But frost-bite struck on the way down, and Major Lane, who lives in the Ledbury area, lost all his toes and the top half of five fingers.

Major Lane later presented his preserved amputated toes and fingers as exhibits for the National Army Museum.

His talk, in the Burgage Hall, Church Lane, will open a new season for the Society.

Society spokesperson, Mary Winfield said: " As an armchair explorer, I relish the chance to share experiences of more adventurous souls, and this journey is an epic one.

"The full programme is on the Society's website and on our printed programme. Visitors are always welcome to join us."

For more information, visit the site, or e-mail mary_winfield@talktalk.net, or phone 01531 632247.