OUR newspaper reached new heights recently, when Ben Napleton, from Abenhall, near Mitch­edean, took a copy with him on a journey to Mount Everest.

Ben’s partner Louelle Jenkinson, said: “Ben, his brother and two friends recently returned from three weeks trekking in the Himalayas. They flew into Kathmandu and from there flew to Lukla airport, which they call the most dangerous airport in the world due to its very small runway. From Lukla they trekked to Namche where they rested and became acclimatised to the altitude.

“After Namche they trekked up to Gokyo and on to Gokyo Ri and Scoundrel’s View, which gives you an amazing view of Mount Everest and the Himalayas. After this they crossed over Cho La pass and Nepal’s largest glacier and finally up to Everest Base Camp.

“Ben says it was a trip of a lifetime and that it was breath-taking and refreshing to see such an untouched part of the world. He has said it reminds him that in such a bustling and busy country it is so important to keep the Forest of Dean as green as we can.

“I grew up in Newnham and Newent and Ben has always lived in Abenhall. Ben and I both still love living within the beautiful surroundings of the Forest. We run a small mobile bar and venue, using recycled materials where we can aim to leave the smallest footprint on the land that we love. Although we both love to travel, the Forest of Dean is where we always come home to.”