The bravery of an RAF officer who helped save two climbers' lives on one of the world's highest mountains was being recognised today.

Hove-born Flight Lieutenant Anthony Brown, 30, was being awarded the Royal Humane Society's testimonial on vellum at Strike Command Headquarters, RAF High Wycombe.

He is the son of Brighton and Hove Tory councillor Vanessa Brown and her husband Roy.

Flt Lt Brown was part of a 15-man team of RAF climbers who in January and February took part in an expedition to climb Mount Aconcagua in Argentina.

At 22,850 feet, it is the highest mountain in the Andes and the highest in the world outside the Himalayas.

Although the route chosen was not technically difficult, Aconcagua's height is so great, its cold so severe and storms so intense that it ranks among the most gruelling tests for climbers.

In February, Flt Lt Brown, with a colleague, went to the rescue of two other climbers, Michael Endl, an Austria and the Brazilian Gustavio De Mello who were exhausted.

They were in the first stages of hypothermia, had no water and were unsure of their location near the summit.

The two RAF officers helped the two men descend a treacherous slope in strong winds and bitter cold when by this time the casualties were semi-delirious and hyperventilating.

With great difficulty and despite being at the limits of exhaustion themselves, they got the climbers to a point where a rescue party was able to take over.

A report on the incident said: "The two foreign climbers undoubtedly owe their lives to them."

Flt Lt Brown attended Hangleton Infant and Junior Schools, Blatchington Mill School and BHASVIC.

A member of the 176 Hove Squadron ATC, he went to Cranwell and passed out as a pilot officer. He serves at RAF Lossiemouth in Scotland and in November will go to Kuwait to help defend its borders with Iraq.

Coun Brown said: "He has only developed his love of mountaineering over the last few years.

"On the expedition to Aconagua, he was one of only six men to out of 19 to reach the summit."

She added: "We are very proud of him and we are looking forward to seeing him again before he leaves for Kuwait."