Extreme ironing is part domestic chore, part dangerous sport
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Two eccentric sportsmen have broken a world record - by ironing a Union flag 5,440 metres above sea level on Mount Everest.
John Roberts and Ben Gibbons, from Cheltenham, Gloucestershire, carried an ironing board part way up the world's tallest mountain.
Extreme ironing combines the domestic chore with dangerous sports, like scuba diving and rock-climbing.
Antiques dealer Mr Roberts, 35, and heating system designer Mr Gibbons, 21,
were inspired to tackle the mountain with their washing after a friend dared
them to do it.
Mr Gibbons said: "At first we treated it as a joke, but then we stormed his
house, took the ironing board and headed off to Nepal.
Extremely proud
"It was hard work. We walked 300 kilometres for 17 days to get to base camp
and it was difficult with the extra weight, but the locals enjoyed seeing us so
it was great fun.
"When we got to base camp there was a tense atmosphere as the mountaineering
teams were waiting for breaks in the weather, but I think we helped break the
ice a bit."
The pair were given permission to go a little further up the mountain to claim
the record.
Mr Roberts said: "It was fantastic because trekkers aren't usually allowed to
stay at base camp or climb above it.
"Standing there ironing the Union Jack was a real `wow' moment."
Mr Gibbons' mother, Caroline, said she was extremely proud of her son.
"I thought it was brilliant. We knew he was going to Nepal and he said about
the ironing a few times, but we just thought he was joking.