Natalie Berry (16) from Milngavie Road, Bearsden, had to put her training on hold until her exams were out of the way.

But now the Bearsden Academy pupil has finished her highers — gaining five straight A's — she has had time to concentrate on what is the most prestigious climbing champ-ionship in the world taking place in Sydney over four days from August 28.

Natalie said: "I am hoping to finish in the top eight.

''I know it is going to be the highlight of my climbing year, but also know the field is very competitive, especially from the Americans and the Japanese."

She said at the moment there were 45 climbers in her Youth A category for 16 and 17-year-old, but this was likely to increase as the tournament got closer.
The promising teenage climber, who is one of only three Scots in the seven strong Great British Junior Competitive Team, is hoping to improve on her previous World Champion-ship places.

Three years ago she came fifth in China, in Austria two years ago she was fourth and last year she didn't compete because the championships were in Ecuador and the team's safety could not be guaranteed.

Natalie added: "We are flying down to Heathrow on the 21st, then on to Hong Kong for a connecting flight to Sydney.

"I'm really looking forward to it. It was going to be in the Olympic Park, but they had to move it to one of the Australian climbing centres."

Since finishing her exams Natalie has been training every Wednesday, Friday and Sunday and perfecting her moves at her own purpose build indoor climb wall in her parents' garage.

She said: "I have been doing a gym programme at the climbing centre at Ratho three times a week and bouldering training in my garage."