Maltese climbers who are currently climbing Mr Cho Oyu in the Himalayas spent last night at camp 2 at 7,100 metres, once again breaking the national elevation record.

Camp 2 was reached after the team successfully climbed up the Ice Cliff which is considered the most technical part of the Cho Oyu expedition on the way to the summit.

"The climb is excruciatingly demanding both physically and mentally and on arrival at camp 2 the team members were extremely tired but very happy to have gone through this technical part of the expedition without major difficulties," a spokesman said.

As yet, the team members, forming the Challenge8000 expedition, have not suffered from any altitude sickness which could compromise their summit attempt. They are currently in an acclimatisation phase.

The mountaineers will attempt to reach camp three today, at an elevation of 7,600 metres, which will bring them just 600 metres away from the summit.

They will then trek down to camp 1 to continue their acclimatisation process and rest.

For further information visit the Challenges section on this website or www.challenge8000.net