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The Welshman who became the first person ever to complete the 1,600-mile trek along the length of Madagascar has taken on a new role as head of tourism for the African island nation.

Ash Dykes, from Colwyn Bay , battled an almost fatal strain of malaria – at one stage being merely hours from death – to complete his world-first in February, 155 days after setting off.

Now he has been appointed as a tourism promoter for the island, which boasts everything from deserts to rainforest in its area, which would stretch from Cardiff to Lisbon. His new position was unveiled at the London World Travel Market Show earlier this month.

(Image: Suzanna Tierie)

Two and a half times the size of the UK and coming with a British government warning that security is hindered by continued political instability, the task may be a daunting one for 26-year-old Ash.

But the country, famous among the younger generation as the subject of a 2005 animated DreamWorks film, already attracts thousands of British tourists each year.

(Image: Suzanna Tierie)

Ash said: “I feel absolutely honoured to be announced as the UK Ambassador for Madagascar Tourism.

“I feel I really got into the thick of things when walking the length of the island, I saw so much and so much of that isn’t usually seen, being far off the beaten track. I made great, life-long friends and learnt the ways of the Malagasy life.

“I feel I can help to promote this beautifully big island, from its diversity, terrain, hospitality of the locals, the wildlife and the fact 80% of all plant life and wildlife is found nowhere else in the world. It’s a country everyone should experience at least once and I truly look forward to returning at some point.”

The extreme adventurer is also working on a documentary shot while he took part in the expedition and a book is also currently in production.

Ash is also set to embark on a UK theatre tour in March, showing photos and videos and talking about another of his expeditions – when he became the first person to walk solo and unsupported across Mongolia.

His adventures have also turned heads in China, with Ash having secured a modelling contract with the country’s third-largest outdoor company, Mobi Garden. It means his face is plastered across billboards there.

According to the UK Government, there were just over 8,000 British visitors to Madagascar in 2013, with the majority proving to be trouble free.

The government also says there is a low threat from terrorism but that piracy remains an ongoing threat in the Indian Ocean.