Mountain tyke

AN eight-year-old boy is setting out on a thrilling expedition to reach Mount Everest's Base Camp.

- PAUL BYRNE and AISLING GRACE

Frankie McMillan also vowed to one day stand on the 8,849m summit of the daunting Himalayan peak.

Frankie has been climbing with his mother Basia since he was a toddler.

He has scaled more than 500 peaks, including Cumbria's Scafell Pike, England's highest mountain, aged four.

He has also taken on all 214 of the Lake District's Wainwright fells.

Last year he became the youngest Briton to climb Mount Olympus in Greece, aged seven. Now he has set his sights on reaching the Base Camp, more than halfway up Everest, after a 12-day trek in the Himalayas.

He also aims to raise £5,364 through Just Giving for the Make-A-Wish foundation, with his target matching the 5,364m altitude.