YOU may never have heard of Gareth Parry of Simister.

You may also never have heard of bouldering, a discipline of climbing.

And that's perfectly excusable because it's not as popular a sport as football, cricket or rugby.

Thirty-one-year-old Gareth has been climbing since the age of 12 and began competing professionally in 1989.

He leads a hectic, jet-set lifestyle frequently flitting from country to country, spending half of his time on the continent and the other half at home.

He is currently competing in the North Face World Cup, which is competed in seven rounds all over Europe.

The first stage, held in Birmingham, saw Gareth finish with a personal best third place.

He was less fortunate in Germany for the second round, finishing in 13th place but was carrying an injury from the previous round.

Last year he finished seventh overall and is hoping to improve this time around.

Bouldering, although not yet an Olympic sport, is nevertheless recognised by the IOC, the Olympic governing body.

Gareth and his fellow athletes are pushing to have it instated as a permanent Olympic sport.

For further information on taking up the sport Gareth suggests contacting a local bouldering club or climbing wall, alternatively contact the British Mountaineering Council on 08700 104878.