Derek Twigg, MP for Halton

Derek joined other Parliamentarians with Sir Chris Bonington last weekend climbing Blencathra in the Lake District.  It was organised by the British Mountaineering Council (BMC) following the establishment of a new All Party Parliamentary Group on Mountaineering.

Sport England has identified climbing and mountaineering as one of the fastest growing sports in the UK; the purpose of the event was to raise awareness of the benefits that mountain-related activities bring to the well-being of the nation; the importance of our mountain landscapes and heritage; and also the contribution that climbing, hill walking and mountaineering make to local economies, especially the positive impact tourism has on rural economies including the Lake District.

Derek said:

"I am a keen hill walker and was pleased to support this event especially with the opportunity to climb Blencathra with the renowned mountaineer Sir Chris Bonington - Blencathra is his favourite Cumbrian mountain.

Anything that promotes the benefits of climbing, hill walking and mountaineering both in terms of health and the economy is worth supporting."

BMC CEO Dave Turnbull said:

"This is the first event of this type.  We are delighted with the positive response from Parliamentarians who will be able to hear from the climbing community about the importance of mountain-related pursuits to the community as a whole."