Alan Hinkes, the first Briton to climb the world’s highest peaks – all over 8,000 meters – is to be the guest starter at Burnsall Feast Sports.

He is part of an exclusive club of only about 12 people alive who have achieved this feat – many others perishing in the attempt.

Mr Hinkes, who said it was a “great privilege” to be asked to start the race, was awarded an MBE in 2006.

The fell race is believed to be the oldest in the country – it was first run in 1870 – and Burnsall Feast Sports is understood to stretch back to Tudor times.

Mr Hinkes currently works as an outdoor equipment technical consultant, writes for magazines such as Trail and lectures on his exploits.

The fell race is the main event on Saturday, which also includes a road race, junior and senior fell faces and a short distance fell race as well as men, women and veterans’ classes.

The ten-mile road race will start at 2.30pm and the classic fell race at 4.30pm and the afternoon will also include children’s races and entertainment for the family.

Up the valley two days later, on Bank Holiday Monday, is Hebden Sports, one of the most popular family days out in Craven because of the number of children’s sports.

And this year’s there is a new competition especially for youngsters based on the former television game show the Golden Shot.

Hebden’s version, which will take place in a tent, uses a plastic crossbow with rubber suckers.

Secretary Pam Hargreaves, said: “We pride ourselves on offering a good family day out. There are plenty of novelty games and running competitions for the children to enjoy and we give prize money. It’s not a lot but the children love it.”

The day includes a race for under-nines, under-12s, under-17s and the adult race.

Cut off time for registration to the senior fell race is 2.40pm and the races would be held between 1pm and 3pm.