A keen young climber at an Ellesmere Port centre has received a top community award.

In memory of Dave Johnson, a member of Ellesmere Port’s Climbing Hut community who sadly passed away in 2020, the annual award was handed out at Climbing Hut's sixth birthday weekend. A plaque is in place at the activity centre which reads: "Dave Johnson 1961-2020. DJ, Raver, Climber and All Round Awesome Human Being climbed here."

The award is granted to a young person who has made a significant contribution or impact in their community, where the recipient gains a year of free Climbing Hut membership and £150 cash to spend as they choose.

This year's winner was Wirral resident Matilda Wootten.

Samantha Oxford, director of operations, said: “Matilda’s nomination stood out as she contributes to society in so many different positive ways, from playing in Wirral’s brass band and charity fundraising to helping foster care services and completing a young person’s leadership programme, and being an active member of her church.”

Receiving the award, Matilda said: “This came as a complete shock so thank you. Dave Johnson continues to encourage young people to develop their skills through this fund. I can see he was a very generous person.

"I’m looking forward to getting to know the climbing community that Dave loved so much. I’m so grateful and I’m going to make it count.”

The Climbing Hut birthday celebrations included a community ascent of El Cap, free kids’ inductions, competition climb challenges, and a DJ.