THE lives of two Cheshire explorers are being celebrated at the Salt Museum in Northwich.

Above the Clouds – Mallory and Irvine’s Quest for Everest is an exhibition detailing the lives of two Cheshire explorers who perished on the slopes of the world’s highest mountain as they aimed to conquer it.

On June 8, 1924, George Mallory and Andrew ‘Sandy’ Irvine, were spotted during a clearing going for the top of Everest. The mountaineers were never seen alive again but it has never been known if they reached the summit 30 years before Edmund Hillary.

The exhibition reflects on the lives and achievements of the pair and uncovers their links with Cheshire, their upbringing and their college years.

The focus of the display is the 1924 exhibition, with some of the items found when Mallory’s body was discovered in 1999.

Matt Wheeler, curator at the Salt Museum, said: “We are delighted to stage this exhibition as it is the first time that personal items relating to both men will have been seen in the county of their birth.

“It represents one of the most comprehensive displays ever undertaken on the subject which of course still arouses great interest.”

MP Mike Hall visited the exhibition the night before it opened to the public.

He said: “There are more than 70 items in the exhibition featuring original photographs and artefacts from the expedition showing the type of mountaineering equipment used by the men.

“I would strongly advise a visit to this exhibition – it is fascinating.”

The exhibition started at the London Road site on September 11 and will last until November 8. It will later tour to the Williamson Art Gallery, in Birkenhead, until the end of January.