GEMMA Atkinson, who is pregnant with her first child, has climbed the third-highest volcano in the world.

The Bury-born actress shared a triumphant photo of herself at the summit of Mount Teide, in Tenerife.

Former Hollyoaks and Emmerdale actress Gemma hit out at at the "pregnancy police" in her Instagram post, and moved to reassure followers that the ascent involved "a drive, cable car and flat walk."

The mother-to-be is currently on holiday with boyfriend and Strictly Come Dancing star Gorka Marquez, ahead of their baby's arrival.

They undertook the climb last week, which Gemma described as "bitter sweet".

The location is of particular significance to her because she used to visit every year with her father, who died from a sudden heart attack when she was just 17.

Gemma posted on Instagram: "Last week me and Gorks climbed Mount Teide (it’s a drive, cable car and flat walk before the pregnancy police start on me).

"I haven’t been here since my dad passed away. We used to come every year and do the hike so it was bitter sweet, but I know he somehow helped drag me up there."

Mount Teide is the highest point in Spain and the highest point above sea level in the islands of the Atlantic, standing at 3,718m.

Measured from the ocean floor, it stands at 7,500m — the third-tallest volcano in the world, according to UNESCO and NASA.