IT'S not every day in life you get the opportunity to hear first-hand the story, from his own mouth, of one of the greatest Britons to have trodden the four corners of the earth.

Not just any Briton, but one who has been places no-one has been before, seen things no-one has seen before and has been the recipient of honours, doctorates, fellowships and basic “good guy” awards to match no other.

Ladies and Gentleman, I refer to the esteemed Sir Ranulph Fiennes, who appeared at The Forum on Monday evening.

This Knight of the Realm has been to Antarctica and the Arctic Circle, to Everest and The Eiger but here he was in person, regaling a capacity audience with tales of the unexpected and to be fair, tales of the expected, thanks to meticulous planning over many years.

It was riveting stuff.

While most of us are making decisions about whether to visit Grange or Coniston of a weekend, Fiennes spent years researching, preparing and completing expeditions of the most extreme nature.

To listen to the tales, to imagine the heart pumping at the success of a mission or the deflation at the unsuccessful conclusion of one was simply awe inspiring.

Fiennes delivered the whole evening from a laptop and a lectern. He presented photos and videos on the big screen and throughout the two hour event he did it all with a humorous touch.

Poking fun at his exploration rivals, The Norwegians, who he referred to as the enemy, he also acknowledged that climbers and explorers worldwide have made the ultimate sacrifice in pursuit of their dreams.

To listen to Fiennes describe events in South Pole temperatures of minus 100 degrees and performing marathons in desert heats of plus 50 degrees made me think he must have had an awful lot of luck in his favour at times.

He obviously didn’t just have good fortune because one of his two heart attacks occurred when he was within sight of the summit of Everest.

Undeterred by such a setback, Fiennes regained his health and strength and in 2009 went on to successfully complete the climb of Mount Everest and become the oldest Briton to do so.

Along the way Fiennes has raised almost £20 million pounds for UK charities. I’ll say that again, 20 MILLION POUNDS. Staggering and thoroughly deserving of the applause he received at such an achievement.

Two hours flew by. The audience was mesmerised, hanging onto Fiennes every word.

He is truly an incredible adventurer and a modest deliverer of his story.

Fiennes made his way to Barrow and captured the attention span of the appreciative throng.

He achieved his goal of success in South Cumbria.

Sir Ranulph Fiennes is a remarkable man with a story to match and some unbelievable journeys we were privileged to enjoy.

Review by TREVOR JONES