Forestry: Up and down the pole

The Great British Pole Climbing Championships are being held in the forestry area, which sees competitors run up an 80ft wooden pole as fast as they can.

The existing world record stands at 9.07 seconds, set two years ago by Grant Gallier, who will be taking part in Harrogate today in an attempt to beat his time and retain his title.

A record number of entrants have signed up to the event and he will face stiff competition from fellow pole climbers – including current world champion Matthew Thomas, from Wales.

One climber who is certain to have the crowd on his side is 78-year-old George Tipping, from Widnes, who has been participating in the sport for the past 10 years to raise money for charity.

So far, the pensioner has raised almost £29,000 for Marie Curie Cancer Care.

There have been three pole climbs, featuring both experts and novices, each day throughout the show culminating in the grand final later this afternoon.