Youngster climbs his way into national top spot

11:06am Sunday 20th July 2008

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AN adventurous nine-year-old has scaled his way into the rock climbing league tables after being named a national champion in the sport.

Keen climber Drew Fielding, from Beaconsfield, scooped the prestigious title at the British Mountaineering Climbing, Youth Climbing Series competition held in Edinburgh.

The St Mary and All Saints C of E pupil was placed second in the south east region in earlier rounds, and was then pitted against 23 other regional finalists from his age category.

Throughout the day he had to scale six different climbing routes. His performance got him into the final round, where he was up against three others in a nail biting climb-off.

Two youngsters tumbled out of the competition after coming off the wall, leaving Drew to scoop joint first with the final competitor, after they achieved equal scores.

During the competition held last month, he was cheered on by mum Lottie, dad Dave and older sister and fellow climber, Iona.

Lottie, from Wattleton Road, said: "We're all very thrilled. I think he had high hopes..

"Watch this space. He's just going to grow taller like his sister and I can't see him giving up climbing.

"They both enjoy it very much indeed and I think as summer approaches, they're going to go off and get some outdoor routes."

Drew has been training for the high flying sport for five years at The Climb - the indoor climbing wall at The Chilterns Pools in Amersham.

He said: "Last year I came tenth and I wasn't expecting to win, but all I did was try my best and I managed to get to the top of every route, which is great, and I came joint first.

"It was really good."

The youngster got into the sport through his dad, who has built a climbing wall in the back garden for he and Iona to practice on.

Lottie added: "All members of the family are very inspired, their mother just looks on and gets neck ache."