way up Mount Everest.

They have been invited to take part in an expedition to scale the 29,028ft peak.

Project "Dark Star'' is being organised by the British Territorial Army, volunteer soldiers known as the terriers.

So far, no-one from the Regiment has taken up the offer.

But Lt. Col. Allan Rance said yesterday several members had expressed an interest.

"It would be an absolutely fabulous experience for anyone who wants to go,'' he said.

"It would be an adventure. It's the first time we've had an offer like this.'' Lt. Col Rance said he believed the invitation had been made as a gesture of goodwill.

The expedition team -- headed by two professional mountaineers -- fly out to Nepal from Britain next month.

December has been pencilled in for the planned ascent of the world's highest mountain.

But the exact date will depend on the weather and climbing conditions.

Lt. Col. Rance explained members of the Regiment would help set up a base camp, roughly 15,000ft up.

They would haul up food and medical supplies, and vital equipment.

"There is nobody in the Regiment with mountaineering experience, so it would be out of the question to go to the summit.

"But nevertheless those who did go would play a critical part in the expedition.'' The expedition is likely to take between six and eight weeks.