Current British climbing champion Gaz Parry sharpened up his skills ahead of competing at the Bouldering World Cup this weekend at the NEC by climbing across a Brum canal bridge.

Gaz, one of The North Face's team of sponsored extreme athletes, says; "I can't wait for the competition to start as I ended last year in great form winning

a title and want that to continue well into 2006. I won't be climbing bridges in this competition but its a great fun way of practising your skills"

Keith Byrne, sales and marketing manager for The North Face, adds; "Gaz has proved himself among the top climbers in the world and as current British climbing champion we're hoping he can put in a big performance in Birmingham and get a result."

The North Face Bouldering World Cup in association with the BMC takes place at the Outdoors Show.

The Bouldering World Cup attracted 18 of the world's top 20 climbers and massive crowds last year. This weekend challengers take on last year's champion, Britain's Mark Croxall.