Britain has tried and failed to reach the top of Everest for decades.

George Mallory and Sandy Irvine disappeared on the mountain in 1924.

There were various British expeditions during the 1930s - all unmitigated failures.

The Second World War interrupted the race to conquer Everest. But by 1951, with Tibet closed by communist China, a new unexplored route through Nepal was available.

The Swiss expedition had nearly succeeded in 1952. The French are scheduled to climb in 1954. For John Hunt's British team in 1953 the pressure is on. It is now or never.

Meanwhile, back in London, a different race begins. If the British get to the top it's the scoop of the century for whichever newspaper can report the story first. The Times pays £10,000 to have its reporter James Morris, later Jan Morris, embedded with the expedition.

Presenter: Wade Davis