INTERNATIONALLY renowned climber and British champion Ian Vickers is virtually unknown in his home town.

When Ian, 21, isn't defying gravity, he walks the streets of Darwen without attracting a second glance.

This four-times British Indoor Climbing Champion has risen to the heady heights of seventh in the world rankings. But he accepts, and likes, anonymity.

"To be honest, I prefer to be unknown," confessed Ian. "It means I can get on with what I like doing without fuss.

"I'm not bitter because climbing isn't high profile."

The former Moorland High School pupil, of Coniston Drive, has been scaling the sides of mountains, real and artificial, since the age of 11 when he followed in the foot-grips of his father Roger.

And just six years later, at the first British championships, he was crowned the best in the land - a title he held until recently.

But when it comes to scooping titles and the respect of his fellow competitors, Ian, who trains on the climbing wall at Blackburn's YMCA, has his feet firmly on the ground.

"I can't seem to get excited about winning titles," said Ian.

"I thought I would after that first championship but to me it was just another climb."

However, he did admit to being slightly overjoyed when he beat an international field in the Extreme Games at Rhode Island in America last year.

"That has definitely been the highlight for me so far but now I need a break." Ian admits to becoming bored with the sport he has dominated on a domestic scale since he entered competitions five years ago.

He intends to get away from it all for a while to rekindle his enthusiasm.

"I'm off to France this week, then America and Australia.

"I'm going to travel around with a group of friends and just climb without the pressures of the competition environment."

But he still has ambitions in the sport and promises to return to recapture his British title and have a go at the World Championships.

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