Army Everest Expedition Selects Summit Team

Latest news from the British Army team laying siege to the West Ridge of Everest is that the summit team has been selected.

It's all a bit a throwback to Bonington-style, siege expeditions, but we reckon the Army's discipline means that there'll be no tantrums and revolts from the team - some pictured below - over who makes the final push for the top.

The five chosen climbers include Expedition Leader Dave Bunting who says that the selection procedure was difficult but "would give the highest chance of success, whilst ensuring the highest level of safety".

"The aim," says Bunting, "is to put 200% into this next weather window, there's a great chance coming and we're going to put absolutely everything into it."

We can't miss this opportunity to pass on some of the rip-roaring, gung ho tone of the team's press releases, so here goes, cue Pathe News soundtrack:

'In a significant milestone for British climbing, the mountaineers are now splitting into teams to support each other from Tilman's Camp up to the notorious Hornbein Couloir, each team paving the way and securing the route for the next in order to ensure the five selected team members have the best possible chance of standing on the world's highest peak and making British history.

'Preparation and meticulous planning has been key to the encounter with the West Ridge and the summit team selection process has created a wave of emotion and willpower amongst the Army climbers who are almost at the point of conquering the mountain and beating the infamous West Ridge.

'This is one of the Army's toughest ever physical challenges and tests the training, organisational skills and endurance that the British Army is famed for.'

So there you go. We wish the team all the best and we'll bring you more news when we have it.

In the mean time, you can follow the team's progress in detail on their web site at www.armyoneverest.mod.uk complete with latest video, images and blogs direct from Everest.