HORRABRIDGE climber Alex Waterhouse rounded off a successful year with two podium places at recent National Climbing Competitions.

At the Open youth event, held in Liverpool, he finished second, which, together with his European results saw him reselected for the GB junior climbing team. The next day he was in action again at the first round of the 2013 Junior British Bouldering Championships. There he gained another second place against strong opposition. This result also saw him selected for the GB junior bouldering team for next year.

These results round off a good year of International competition for the Devonport High School pupil, whose best finish came at the European Championships, where he came seventh. 2013 look like a busy year for the youngster, with up to 10 international events on the cards, including the World Youth Championships, being held in Canada in August.

Alex, who finished the year with a World ranking of 13th, said: 'I'm very pleased with the way last year went, but this year I'm looking to be more consistent, as small mistakes cost me!'

Alex is now training in earnest for the upcoming season. Alex trains at the Barn Climbing Centre in Milton Abbot and the High Sports Wall in the Plymouth Life Centre. He is supported by The Barn and TinyClimb Chalkbags.