HORRABRIDGE teenager, Alex Waterhouse was crowned British junior champion at the British Bouldering Championships held in Bristol last weekend.

After a long qualifying round Alex headed into the final in third place, but in a close fought final Alex was the only climber to top all three problems to secure the title. He also won the Boulder Cup series with two wins and a second place.

Alex, who is vice captain of the GB Junior Bouldering Team said: 'It is great to finally win my first British title after being runner up a few times.'

Alex, 18, who has just finished sitting his A-levels, now starts a gap year before heading off to University in America where he has won a place at the prestigious Dartmouth College in New Hampshire.

He has a busy summer of international competitions ahead starting with the first European Bouldering Cup this weekend in Austria and culminating with the World Youth Championships taking place in Italy at the end of August.

Alex told the Times: 'Now my exams are over I can focus on training for the World Championships where I'm hoping to compete for the overall title. Training for all three disciplines — lead, speed and boulder is proving to be an interesting challenge!'

Jay Jackson, manager at High Sports in Plymouth's Life Centre, said: 'Alex puts a lot into his training and thoroughly deserves his success. We are delighted to sponsor him and our junior squads benefit from his input and coaching, and they can see what hard work and dedication can achieve.'