George Atkinson's Everest climb puts him in the record books. Photo: Sotti CC-BY-SA-3.0

A British mountaineer has realised his dream of being the youngest person to summit the highest peaks on the Earth’s seven continents.

George Atkinson, 16, summited Everest at about 8.15am local time today, making him the youngest climber to complete the Seven Summits.

The previous record was held by 17-year-old Johnny Collinson of the USA.

George’s mother Penny posted on his blog this morning: “George has done it. He reached the summit at about 8.15am Nepali time.

“It sounds as if the weather is good with great views over Cho Oyu. Congratulations to all the team members who have made it so far and we hope the last few get there soon.”

“Mark and I are elated and emotional.”

The Surbiton, Surrey, teenager started his Seven Summits challenge at the age of 11 when he reached the top of Kilimanjaro in Tanzania. He climbed Mount Elbrus in Russia, the Carstensz Pyramid, Indonesia and Argentina’s highest peak Aconcagua; Denali in Alaska and Mount Vinson in Antarctica.

Everest, the world’s highest peak at 8,848m (29,029ft) was the final mountain in his Seven Peaks quest.

George is using his Everest attempt to raise cash through his Virgin Money Giving page.