AN intrepid local youngster put his best foot forward to lift a unique title in an off-beat sport which is rapidly gaining a toe-hold nationwide.

For long-striding David Bolton certainly knew where he was going in winning the 14-age group Northern orienteering championship at Burbage, Sheffield.

De La Salle school pupil David, of Windle, completed the 4.8 kilometre course over Peak District moorland in a time of just over 41 minutes.

Orienteering was introduced into Great Britain from Scandanavia in the 1960s, and combines the physical demands of cross country or fells running with the mental skills of navigating checkpoints.