The first British Mountaineering Council (BMC) Climbing Competition for Disabled People was held in Rochdale last month.

The event was co-hosted by indoor climbing centre Climb UK, Rochdale and Link4Life, the Rochdale Boroughwide Cultural Trust.

In a relaxed 'give it a try' atmosphere, participants competed in a number of categories, which included fully ambulant, sensory impairments, upper limbs only and upper limbs only that have impairments. In addition a timed rope ascent for essential wheelchair users was provided.

The staging of the event is a result of the work of the BMC's Equity steering group. Said committee member, and Link4Life Disability Sports Officer, Graeme Hill, "We have seen the number of competition opportunities for disabled people in all sports develop very rapidly and the BMC are committed to opening up the same opportunities in climbing. We were delighted to host the event here in Rochdale and we hope to go on to stage more like it."

Said BMC Competitions Manager, Rob Adie, "It was an excellent response on the day with over 35 people entering. With fantastic examples of climbing, and no shortage of cheering and support, many parents and carers commented how climbing standards were much higher because of the competitive nature of the event."

Climb UK owner, and British climbing team coach, Ian Dunn provided three boulder problems and three climbs ensuring that there was an opportunity for everybody to get on the score card but also that people could be properly challenged. The balance worked really well with a small number of climbers nearly "topping out" the harder climbing route and one individual completing the hardest boulder problem.

Special guest, travelling down from Edinburgh for the event, was the inspirational Scottish mountaineer Jamie Andrew. Jamie lost both his hands and feet to frostbite eleven years ago whilst mountaineering in the Alps. Despite this he has continued to be a highly accomplished mountaineer and marathon runner.