Sidmouth’s own spider-boy has climbed through the ranks to be named the South West’s climbing champion – aged just nine.

George Anning is now set to represent the region in the national finals, when he will be scaling new heights in Edinburgh over the summer.

He trains twice a week at Exeter Quay and sometimes gets out in the sun at Jacob’s Ladder.

“It’s brilliant to be the best in the South West,” said schoolboy George.

“I do it competitively but I enjoy it too.”

George took second place in the South West in 2013, despite having started just a year before, and is now looking forward to building on his position of 19th in the country.

“It isn’t any easier as I am climbing harder routes but I am more confident and I find it less scary,” said the Malden Road resident.

“I don’t have a dream mountain climb, I just like climbing anywhere.”

He said the strangest places he has climbed is the Barn in Tavistock and a church in Bristol.

George followed his dad Gary into climbing but soon overtook him, as well as many youngsters his own age and older.

He has again been asked to join the South West climbing club and will represent the region in June.