A Sidmouth boy was head and shoulders above his peers at the national climbing championships.

George Anning faced off against 32 other youngsters in a high-standard competition to take sixth place for the South West.

The nine-year-old had aimed to finish in the top 10, and is now looking to return to the Edinburgh event next year, when he will move up an age category. His dad Gary said he had been well supported in the regional squad, which is made up of climbers from Gloucester, Dorset, Wiltshire, Somerset, Devon and Cornwall.

“The children climb three boulder routes and three top-roped routes,” added the Malden Road resident.

“It was a very close finish only separated on the last climb.

“George will continue to climb as he still enjoys the physical challenge and we enjoy bouldering out on Dartmoor with family and friends.”

He thanked Paul Russell at Exeter’s Quay Climbing Centre and the New Devon Army, which supports up and coming talent.

George was named the South West champion in his age group in April.