SIR Ranulph Fiennes (above), the man dubbed ‘the world’s greatest explorer’ by the Guinness Book of Records, will give a book talk in Taunton next Thursday.

ir Ranulph was the first to reach both Poles; to cross the Antarctic and Arctic Ocean, and first to circumnavigate the world along its polar axis.

Now 69, the ex-SAS soldier was the oldest Briton to summit Everest.

In his newest published book, Cold: Extreme Adventures at the Lowest Temperatures on Earth, he looks at the history of mankind’s exploration of these hostile environments, including his own treks.

Tickets for the event at 7.30pm at St James’ Church, Taunton, cost £8 or £5 for students – call 01823-337742 to book.