AN adventurous county doctor is on top of the world after reaching the summit of Everest.

Locum GP Dr Jonathan Salter left the comforts of his Knightwick home near Martley at the beginning of April ready for the ultimate climbing challenge to raise money for St Richard's Hospice.

And this week, the 47-year-old and his five fellow climbers reached their goal after a 10-week, 29,000ft ascent.

A message on the climbers' website dated Wednesday, May 17, reads: "I am delighted to write that at 6 o'clock this morning (Nepal time), five of our climbers stood on the top of the world.

"Raymond, Steve, Jonathan, Neill and Fergal set off on their epic journey at 10 o'clock the night before in minus temperatures as low as 25 degrees.

"Once at the top, the team only had time to briefly take in the view and pose for photographs before they started on their journey back down past the campsite at 8,300m to the more comfortable camp at 7,700m.

"They have reached this campsite and so our families, friends and supporters can all breathe a large sigh of relief"

Dr Salter, who undertakes a major climb each year, is the team doctor on the trip and the medical kit is being sponsored by Worcester chemist Denis Ogle, of St John's.

St Richard's Hospice is currently based at Rose Hill, Worcester, and offers free services to patients living with cancer and other long-term illnesses.

The new St Richard's Hospice is being built in Spetchley and is set to open for patients in the autumn.

To read more about Dr Salter's epic trip visit http://www.everest2006.blog.co.uk/