A Co Down climber has achieved the sixth mountain summit of his world record bid, by summitting Oceania's highest peak, the 16,020 ft granite wall known as Carstenz Pyramid.

Noel Hanna, 42, from Dromara, has just conquered Indonesia's daunting Carstenz Pyramid, the highest summit in Oceania and the sixth peak in his Seven Summits to Sea Level challenge.

His goal is to scale the world's seven highest peaks, followed by seven arduous and top-speed descents to sea level - and a new entry in the Guinness Book of Records

Having secured sponsorship from the Chicago based investment firm and online brokerage PEAK6, Noel is now just one more summit away from a world record - for the fastest ascent and descent of the legendary Seven Summits, the world's seven highest mountains.

But despite a gruelling 16,000 sq ft climb, Noel cannot rest on his laurels - he now has to navigate a rapid descent to sea level on foot.

The Seven Summits to Sea Level challenge has been daunting for the Dromara, Northern Ireland, based endurance athlete and expedition consultant: Seven summits of the world's highest peaks, followed by seven arduous and top-speed descents to Sea Level - by foot, bicycle, skis or kayak.

It has added up to three years, five continents, hundreds of logistical challenges - and one goal in sight, a new entry in the Guinness Book of Records.

"Seven Summits to Sea Level Challenge campaign is a remarkable challenge, a testament to Noel Hanna's stamina, drive and determination." said Matthew Hulsizer, PEAK6 Founder and Chairman.

"To scale the world's highest peaks is a significant achievement, but to then take on the equivalent of an Iron Man triathlon immediately after summiting, to get back to sea level in record time, is extraordinary."

The sponsorship will mean that the Chicago investment house's flag will be embedded at the summit of both the seventh summit, Mt Vinson, Antarctica and Carstenz Pyramid and PEAK6 branding will appear on all the equipment and clothing for the expeditions, which will be filmed and documented for online, broadcast and print media and for the www.7Summits2SeaLevel.com website.

With the sixth peak conquered, it now remains for Noel to scale the heights of Mt Vinson in Antarctica to clinch this awe-inspiring new world record, and a place in climbing history.

(BMcC)