CONNOR Byrne is getting to grips with his latest climbing challenge as he prepares for more action on the international circuit.

The 18-year-old from Clitheroe has been selected to represent Great Britain in both the World Youth Championships and the European Youth Championships in lead climbing.

The former Clitheroe Royal Grammar School pupil will also take part in the European Youth Cup while he has been picked for two senior World Cup events.

And it promises to be a busy summer for Byrne as he will also take part in the European Universities Sports Association Championships in Poland.

Byrne, who is studying Aerospace Engineering at the University of Sheffield, is looking forward to it - and is happy his studies are not getting in his way.

”Last year the junior dates clashed horribly with exams and the senior circuit was really tough, where many competitors are full time athletes,” he said.

“But it will still be good experience to go to a couple of senior world events, ready for next year when I will be a senior myself.”

Byrne, who has won the British Lead Climbing Championship title for the last four years, takes part in the European Youth Cup in Austria in May.

Then it is on to the European Youth Championship in Ratho, Scotland (June 13-14) and his first Senior World Cup event in Chamonix (July 10-12).

The European Universities Sports Association Championships take place in August before testing himself against the best young climbers at the World Youth Championship in Italy in September.

Since moving to Sheffield, Byrne has expanded his climbing skills and recently took part in the British Universities & Colleges Sports event in bouldering and finisished in third place.

“I was totally stunned to come third,” said Byrne. “There were around 200 competitors in the male bouldering and only four could get through to the finals, so I knew it would be a tough day. So to take third place is pretty good considering bouldering is not my discipline.”

Byrne, who is self funded, is looking for find a sponsor to help with his competition costs.

He was recently awarded the Catalyst Sports Award at Sheffield University - their top sports award - which pays for his accommodation for his first year which is a huge help to his budget.