AN exhibition celebrating the lives of two world-renowned climbers with local connections opens at the Williamson Art Gallery and Museum in Birkenhead this weekend.

'Above the Clouds – Mallory & Irvine and the Quest for Everest', opens on Saturday.

The collection - believed to be the largest group of objects connected with the expedition - focuses on George Mallory and Andrew 'Sandy' Irvin's ill-fated attempt to become the first mountaineers to conquer the world’s highest peak.

On June 8, 1924, the intrepid mountaineers were spotted during a clearing in the mist going strong for the top of Mount Everest. They were never seen again alive.

The exhibition, which runs until the end of January, reflects on the achievements of these two remarkable men who were both born in Cheshire, and with strong Birkenhead connections.

Visitors will learn about their local links, their upbringing and their college years.

The focus of the display will be the 1924 expedition and will be supported by photographs and original artefacts loaned from the Alpine Club, Magdalen College, (Cambridge), Merton College (Oxford), the Royal Geographical Society and many other individuals and organisations.

Some of the items found when Mallory’s body was discovered in 1999 will be featured.

There is also be a display of replica 1924 expedition clothing loaned by the Mountaineering Heritage Trust and modern climbing equipment provided by Berghaus.

The exhibition was organised by and previously seen at the Salt Museum, Northwich.

The Williamson Art Gallery & Museum, Slatey Road, Birkenhead, is open Tuesday to Sunday from 10am – 5pm.