Explorer Ash Dykes shortlisted for adventure award

Longest day... Ash Dykes walked 55km (34 miles) in one day, pulling his supplies on a home-made trailer

An explorer from north Wales who became the first to walk 1,500 miles (2,400km) solo across Mongolia has been shortlisted for an adventurer award.

Ash Dykes, 23, from Colwyn Bay, walked into the record books last August after trekking for 78 days.

He became known to locals as the "lonely snow leopard" as he conquered the Altai Mountains and Gobi Desert.

He was nominated for the adventurer title in the National Adventure Awards 2015 by family and friends.

"It was a tough challenge and it didn't go unnoticed which is fantastic," said Mr Dykes.

World famous explorer Sir Ranulph Fiennes praised the young adventurer, calling his endeavours "an example of great determination".

Mr Dykes, who is already planning another adventure, dragged a 120kg (18st) home-made trailer over the landscape to carry his dehydrated food, water butt and camping equipment.

Winners of the awards, which celebrate adventure and explorers from Wales, England and Scotland, will be announced in March.

He walked over the Altai Mountains and Gobi Desert