An elderly man from Nepal has been hailed by Guinness World Records as the oldest person ever to conquer Mt Everest. Min Bahadur Sherchan was presented with his official certificate by the organisation after ascending to the top of the 29,035 ft Himalayan peak two years ago at age 76. Previously, 71-year-old Japanese resident Katsusuke Yanagisawa was listed as the oldest man to climb the world's highest peak, prompting Mr Sherchan to make an official appeal.

Tue, 24 Nov 2009 14:44:42

Irish cleaners have found an unusual outlet for venting their frustrations about Thierry Henry - by vandalising their own vacuum cleaners. The Sun reports that ever since the France striker's handball cost the Republic of Ireland a World Cup place, cleaning staff have been turning on the iconic smiley-faced hoovers. Despite the brand having nothing to do with Thierry Henry, workers are reportedly choosing to erase the Henry name or scrawl over its painted face.

Mon, 23 Nov 2009 10:55:27

An interior designer in the US has been left red-faced and out of pocket after he accidentally blew his own benefits scam following a TV appearance. LA resident Ronald Hunt had been claiming $150,000 (£91,015) in state benefits on the pretence that he was disabled, in addition to the $400,000 he earns annually from his business, reports the Associated Press. However, the 56-year-old's three-year-long scam came to an end after he made an appearance on a home improvement show for Home and Garden Television.

Fri, 20 Nov 2009 09:50:08

Two teenage burglars in the US have made the police's job significantly easier by recording footage of themselves robbing houses. Officers in Upper Darby, Philadelphia, arrested the 15 and 16-year-old suspects leaving a crime scene after they triggered a burglar alarm. In addition to around $1,000 (£601) worth of stolen goods, the police also recovered a camcorder, on which they found recordings of the two boys robbing a number of properties.

Thu, 19 Nov 2009 14:43:43

A police officer has attempted to dissuade a jailed burglar from his life of crime by telling him he is too ugly to be an effective crook. David Holyoak, who is nicknamed Shrek, has commenced a three-and-a-half year jail sentence after being arrested as part of a gang which stole £6,000 from a Preston bank. However, the unnamed officer has told the thief that his capture was inevitable due to his status as "one of the ugliest robbers in the country".

Wed, 18 Nov 2009 13:02:24

A team of Antarctic Heritage Trust workers are embarking on a mission in the frozen continent to recover a precious stash of lost whisky. The explorers have been commissioned by drinks company Whyte & Mackay to find a frozen hoard of 100-year-old McKinlay and Co. booze, which was abandoned at Cape Royds by the explorer Sir Ernest Shackleton. Crates were discovered in 2006 beneath a hut in Cape Royds used by Sir Ernest in 1909, but the whisky proved to be too deeply embedded in the ice to recover it.

Tue, 17 Nov 2009 14:09:49

A library in Arizona is celebrating an unexpected windfall after two overdue books were returned - along with a fine of $1,000 (£598). The Audobon Society books, which were checked out in 1959, made their way back to the Camelback High School in Phoenix along with an anonymous letter and a sizeable money order. According to the note, the borrower had accidentally packed the two books away before moving to another state and had calculated that fines for the two books should now amount to $745.

Mon, 16 Nov 2009 14:05:47

A man from Leicester has set a Guinness World Record after pulling a double-decker bus more than 20 metres using only his hair. Manjit Singh, 59, dragged the 8.5 tonne vehicle for 21.2 metres during his record-breaking attempt at Battersea Park in south London. Security consultant Mr Singh, who is nicknamed "Ironman" in honour of his past feats of strength, was tethered to the vehicle using ribbons attached to his hair.

Fri, 13 Nov 2009 12:44:23

A Peruvian man is considering making a career out of eating metal, despite his love of nails landing him in hospital. Requelme Abanto was rushed to hospital after suffering abdominal pains last week, with doctors initially suspecting he had appendicitis, reports The Associated Press. However, they soon discovered the reason for his condition was much more unusual - his stomach contained nails, coins and copper wire he had eaten to impress friends.

Thu, 12 Nov 2009 13:51:50

A Milwaukee man has gained an unexpected advantage from his status as a US Army reservist after receiving an apology from muggers who had attempted to rob him. The unnamed man was accosted in an alleyway by a group of robbers as he walked home one night and made to hand over his wallet, mobile phone and other belongings. However, when the thieves saw the reservist's ID, they quickly became apologetic, with the gang's leader expressing respect for his military role, reports the Associated Press.

Wed, 11 Nov 2009 14:47:26