YOUNGSTERS from the George Ward School in Melksham are scaling the heights to follow in the footsteps of a former pupil.

A team from the school came third at the Bristol and Area Inter-schools Climbing competition.

The students have been inspired by the success of former competitor, Ben West, who has gone on to become a member of the British team.

Held at the Bristol Climbing Centre, the competition required the team to take part in four disciplines speed climbing, top roping, bouldering and lead climbing.

They won the speed climbing section and came joint second

in top roping. Overall they were awarded third place, beating last year's champions, Cotham Grammar School of Bristol.

Headteacher Pam Stoate said: "We strongly believe that all of our pupils have talents.

"Our wide range of out of school hours activities enable each of them to find something that they can enjoy.

"If they go on to do well competitively, as many of them do, then that is a bonus for us all."

Climbing is becoming a more and more popular activity at the school and many youngsters regularly travel to Bristol to practise on the climbing wall.