RICHARD Parks is a modern-day heroic adventurer, and his latest incredible achievement surely demands he receives suitable honours this year.

On Saturday Mr Parks, the former Wales and Dragons rugby player who lives in Newport, became the fastest Briton in history to reach the South pole solo, unassisted and unsupported.

He completed the 715-mile journey in just 29 days, 19 hours and 24 minutes.

The ex-Wales and Dragons star is also the first Welsh person to complete a solo, unsupported and unassisted journey to the South Pole.

Mr Parks took just under 10 days off the existing British record.

It was his second attempt at the record - the first being abandoned due to severe weather last month.

The record was the first part of Mr Parks' Project X challenge. The second part at the end of this year will see him attempt to complete the longest solo, unsupported and unassisted Antarctic journey in history.

And don't forget that in 2011 he became the first person to climb the highest mountains of seven continents and stand on all three poles within seven months, raising thousands for charity in doing so.

We would hope Mr Parks receives the freedom of the city of Newport when he returns home. And his name should be prominent in the Queen's birthday honours later this year.