THE DRAMATIC conquest of Mount Everest 50 years ago is celebrated by a new board game invented in Kent.

Johnny Jonas, a West Malling artist who has undertaken work for several leading companies, thought up the idea after being commissioned by Eton College to paint Bear Grylls, the youngest Briton to climb the world's highest peak.

The game is backed by Bear, who climbed the 29,035ft mountain -- dubbed the Big E -- five years ago when he was just 23.

"It features the ups and downs of mountaineering -- a bit like Snakes and Ladders," said Mr Jonas. "It's really designed as an inspiration and aspiration for young people."

The family game costs £19.99, with a pound for each one sold donated to The Edmund Hillary Trust to help the Sherpas of Nepal.

Mr Jonas has invented a number of successful products in the past, but is probably best known for his portrait of the late Queen Mother.

His painting of Bear approaching the summit of Everest is officially unveiled at Eton on June 8.

Bear, about to embark on the first crossing of the Arctic Circle in an open inflatable boat in aid of The Prince's Trust, visited Johnny's studio several times for sittings and to see how the painting was progressing.

Bear spoke of his respect for Everest: "We had lots go wrong, four climbers were killed while we were up there, and it shakes a lot of your beliefs. I came back with less confidence but at the same time it was everything I ever dreamt of."

Sir Edmund Hillary, who with Sherpa Tenzing Norgay reached the summit on May 29, 1953 had been Bear’s boyhood hero.

"I grew up on their heroism," he said. "They were such a big inspiration for me. All I ever wanted to do when I was a kid was to be Hillary."

Recalling that momentous event 50 years ago, Bear said: "It was a landmark in our country's history because a British team were first to the top. I feel very proud of that. We're still a great nation and we've got to hang on to these dreams."