A YOUNG climbing star has joined the likes of Sir Chris Bonington and Leo Houlding by securing a sponsorship deal with outdoor brand Berghaus.

Anna Taylor of Windermere will represent the company and help develop and test its high-performance outdoor clothing and kit.

The 21-year-old started out as an indoor competition climber at the age of 10, and soon discovered she preferred being outdoors, as she was attracted to the mental challenges presented by traditional rock climbing.

Since then she has chalked up an impressive list of routes, including many in the Lake District, as well as a growing reputation in climbing circles.

This November, Anna will be the sole female member of a team led by fellow Berghaus athlete Leo Houlding, of Staveley, on a climbing expedition to Guyana, a country of dense rainforest on South America's North Atlantic coast.

Last year she was the focus of filmmaker Al Lee’s project Just Anna, and she will appear in future Gutsy Girls and Reel Rock film tours.

“Anna is one of the most exciting young climbers in the UK scene," said Kev McFadyen, brand director at Berghaus, "and we’re delighted to have her join the Berghaus team. Just like us, she has big plans for the future, and we look forward to supporting her adventures."

Ann said she was "really happy" to become a Berghaus brand ambassador. "It’s nice to be working with a company that promotes adventure and pushing your personal boundaries, as these are both aspects of life that I believe are very important," she said.

For more about the Berghaus athletes, see www.berghaus.com; and you can follow Anna's adventures on Instagram @anna_taylor_98