YOUNG climbers came together for a schools competition held at Ingleton Climbing Wall, Ingleton.

More than 40 youngsters took part in the first Casterton, Sedbergh Preparatory School invitational climbing competition.

Pupils from Sedbergh, Giggleswick, Queen Elizabeth School, Kirkby Lonsdale and Windermere schools tested their skills on three roped routes and six boulder problems of varying difficulties, scoring points for each climb.

Nick Verney, a teacher at Sedbergh Prep School, who organised the event with Craig Perkins and Debby Kuhlmann from Ingleton Climbing Wall, said: “Climbing is such a great sport. Our aims were to bring young climbers together and to generate a buzz around climbing in school, and we definitely achieved that.

"The atmosphere in the wall during the competition was incredible – there was so much enthusiasm and excitement, and it was great to see pupils from so many different schools giving it their all and supporting each other on the climbs.”

Craig and Debby added: “It was fantastic to have so many enthusiastic and talented climbers at Ingleton Wall, working together to solve problems and being really supportive of one another. It was a great first event, and we look forward to hosting more in the future.”

The competition was very close, with climbers from all the schools represented in the top 10. The individual competition was won by up-and-coming talent Cecily Kinloch – a pupil at Sedbergh Prep.

The school hopes to organise an event for primary school children in the summer term. Any schools interested can contact Nick Verney at prepoffice@sedberghprep.org