WEST DEVON teenager, Alex Waterhouse, had success at the British Lead and Speed Climbing Championships in Sheffield.

He claimed the title in the speed event and came third in the Junior Lead event. Alex, 18, also attended the World Youth Climbing Championships which were held in Italy at the end of August where he competed in all three disciplines of lead, speed and boulder, finishing a creditable sixth in the combined event.

Alex, from Horrabridge, said: ‘The worlds didn’t go as well as I had hoped, but to come back and become British Champion in the Speed Climbing Event was a great end to the year.

‘I’ve had some great support this year and it’s nice to reward people’s faith in me with another British title.’

Sponsor and businessman Kevin Shadrick praised Alex’s feat. He said: ‘Alex is a local lad who works hard and deserves his success. As a local business we are proud be able to offer him some support.’

Alex hopes to build on this years domestic success and get some good results in European events next year.

‘I’ve got a winter of hard training planned,’ he said, ‘and hope to be fitter and stronger when next season starts.’