CLIMBERS were at the top of their game to celebrate a leisure centre’s second anniversary, writes Angelika Rusbridge.

Boulder Brighton held a competition as part of their celebrations at the centre in Victoria Road, Portslade. “Bouldering” is growing in popularity with all age groups and levels of skill.

It strips rock climbing to its essentials by leaving behind the harnesses and ropes of traditional rock climbing, lessening the height of the wall and making the routes more challenging.

Competitions were split into five categories. There were the under 16s, fun, women's and men's open, and teams.Matt Cousins, 25, has never lost at Boulder Brighton, but runner-up Louis Parkinson came close to ending his streak. Mr Cousins said: “I'm feeling pretty good, I wasn't really expecting it as Louis is really good, and I always knew it was going to be tight.

Storme Biggs, 20, winner of the open women's event, said: “The routes were really hard, and a lot of fun.

“It was also really nice to win it with my boyfriend.”

Mr Cousins and Miss Biggs also won the teams competition, with a combined score of 453 out of a possible 500.

Boulder Brighton hosts several events throughout the year, attracting professional climbers from across the country.