ASHLEIGH Vanderkamp is scaling new heights with her weekend pastime.

For she has just conquered Britain's three highest peaks -- Ben Nevis in Scotland, Scafell in the Lake District and Snowdon in Wales -- at the age of seven.

The youngster, who attends St Bernadette's Primary School in Whitefield, completed the Three Peaks Challenge over three weekends.

Ashleigh, of Chapel Grove, Radcliffe, began walking with her parents Paul (38) and Adele (36) a few years ago and, in no time at all, caught the climbing bug herself.

In order to prepare for the challenge, she took part in practices, climbing to 2,000ft.

Mr Vanderkamp said: "We are so proud of her. We have done the walks with family, so there are plenty of us to keep each other going.

"I have usually done the climb the day before the rest of the group, on each peak, so that we can prepare for it. We climbed Ben Nevis on Bank Holiday Monday, and even though it was warm, there was three feet of snow at the top."

While walking and climbing are Ashleigh's main passions, she also enjoys swimming and long cycle rides.

Mr Vanderkamp added: "She is very active and loves to be outside. It is usually adult hill climbers that tackle peaks like this, but she wanted to do the challenge herself."