PUPILS from independent schools across the south of England were in reaching new heights in Reading last weekend.

In total 16 schools, including Berkshire's Wellington College, competed in the Independent Schools Climbing Competition.

Reading Climbing centre in Whitley hosted the competition seeing pupils take on routes up the 12m wall.

Climbing legend Johnny Dawes, the first man to scale an E9 rock face, the hardest traditional climbing grade.

"This indoor climbing is great for kids to fit and strong," he said.

"The difference between what I did and what is going on here is that I was climbing outside.

"I think it's hard to reach your true potential."

He took the 120 young climbers through a master class at the end of the day.

Eton College won the junior half of the competition, Clifton College were the champions of the senior half with the reigning champions from Tonbridge School retaining the overall winner's trophy.