AN ADVENTURER from Pickmere has been elected a Fellow of the Royal Geographical Society (FRGS).

Andrew Wright, of Pickmere Lane, has braved a number of extreme cycling and walking expeditions, including a 1,280km bike trek through the Middle East in the footsteps of one of his heroes, Lawrence of Arabia.

He included the impressive list, which also includes crossing the central glacial desert in Iceland solo and unsupported and Le Raid Pyrenean, in his submission to the prestigious society, which was founded in 1830.

He said: "I am thrilled to bits with this news and very proud to get the honour.

"I made a submission statement to the society and submitted my CV little thinking that I would be successful.

"Some of my heroes of present and past have been FRGS, including the great 20th century explorer Wilfred Thesiger."

He plans to visit the society's headquarters in South Kensington in March and is looking forward to exploring its map room.