BBC News Online: World: South Asia

More Everest records broken

Two Americans have set new Everest records.

Erik Weihenmayer has become the first blind person to reach the top of the world's highest mountain.

Another American, Sherman Bull, has become the oldest Everest climber at the age of 64.

The two Americans reached the top of Mount Everest by climbing the Nepalese side of the mountain.

They are members of a team sponsored by the National Federation of the Blind, a leading US organisation working on behalf of blind people.

Father and son

Eleven out of 13 team members - as well as eight Sherpas - have so far reached the top of the 8,850 metre mountain.

The team's website says they reached the summit on Friday.

Mr Weihenmayer - a seasoned climber - is the first blind person to reach the top of Everest.

Sherman Bull - at the age of 64 - is not only the oldest Everest climber but with his son, Brad Bull, is also part of the first father and son team to reach the summit on the same expedition.

The record for the oldest Everest climber was previously held by Japan's Toshio Yamamoto, who made it to the top last year at the age of 63.

Mr Bull's success comes a day after it was reported that Nepal's Temba Tseri Sherpa had become the youngest person to reach the summit.

The fifteen-year-old boy reached the top of Everest from the Chinese side on Tuesday.