The 19-year-old was brought up in Nottingham but moved to Sheffield last year so she could devote more time to the sport she loves. She now works at Europe's largest indoor bouldering centre, the Climbing Works in Woodseats Road.

Leah, who has been competing since the age of seven, reached the pinnacle of her career to date when she became a member of the British bouldering team.

Last month she narrowly missed grabbing first prize at the Climbing Works International Festival, having to make do with runner-up instead. But she is making good progress.

Recent successes have included climbing the renowned Bus Stop on Jerry's Roof boulder in the Llanberis Pass in Snowdonia, which she finally cracked on an icy Sunday morning when only die-hard climbers dared venture on to the rock.

Closer to home, she has successfully tackled Ben's Roof at Raven Tor in Millers Dale – the result of a well-planned campaign.

"I'm so pleased with this climb," she says. "It's a really long power endurance boulder. I've been working on this since moving to Sheffield, going about once a week, and have slowly been able to link the moves."

Preparations included a night session, lit only by a head torch and a lantern. On her next visit she almost made it four times – only to fall at the final hold.

She finally achieved her goal in October: "I made the match and topped out Ben's Roof, my hardest-ever boulder problem, proudly equalling the hardest climb any British female climber has achieved in the UK."

Cliffhanger

I took part in the Cliffhanger event at Millhouses Park last year and reached the final of the bouldering competition. It's a great event for Sheffield as it attracts competitors from many countries and people can try so many activities that they may not have ever done before – from scuba diving to kayaking – and of course bouldering! I'm really looking forward to this year's event and hope to improve on my performance last year.

Lescar

This pub in Hunters Bar is one of our first choices when a group of my friends decide to go for a night out – often to chat about climbing, but it also has a good mix of people and the regular comedy club is a favourite of mine. A great place to relax in good company.

Dulo's

I don't drink very much alcohol and not at all when I'm training for a competition, but Dulo's near the city centre has great live music and a good atmosphere where I can chat for hours with my friends.

Siam Inter Thai Restaurant

I visited Thailand three years ago and got hooked on Thai food but I was always disappointed with the British versions that I tried in this country – they just weren't quite right and didn't taste the same as I remembered when on holiday. Then I found the Siam Inter Thai Restaurant on London Road and it is now my favourite place to eat – I even get their takeaways occasionally if I want to spoil myself and I don't have time to sit down for a full meal.

Peak District

We are so lucky to have the Peak District on our doorstep and perhaps some people take it for granted? There are always plenty of places to go climbing, whatever the weather, and you can usually find quieter parts where you can climb and take in the beautiful scenery. My working hours are quite flexible, so I can often choose the days when I go climbing and avoid the weekend crowds.

Kalymnos

I am one of those people who quickly gets bored sitting around, so my holidays always involve outdoor activities – and usually climbing! The Greek island of Kalymnos is a wonderful place for climbing and also has some great limestone caves. The climbing season coincides with the off-season for most tourists, so I can enjoy the island to the full.

Millstone Pub

I love pub quizzes – not that I'm a mastermind, but they are great fun and a great way to wind down! I often meet up with friends at the Millstone pub at Hathersage on Fridays for their quiz and bingo nights.

Sheffield Railway Station/Sheaf Square

I often have to travel to competitions and pass through Sheffield railway station quite often. It gives a really good impression when you arrive in Sheffield and Sheaf Square outside the station looks great, especially at night when it's all lit up.

75 and 76 buses

As a newcomer to the city, I have developed a close relationship with the 75 and 76 buses, as I know that, whenever I lose my way in the city centre, I can always get home if I jump on one of these buses.

The Climbing Works

I must mention this, as it was one of the main reasons for me moving to Sheffield. I live nearby and spend quite a lot of time socialising here too – most of the people I know hang out here. It saves me so much time from when I used to travel from Nottingham and my employers also help to sponsor me when I travel abroad to competitions. They believe it's good for the centre as well as for the city if I get more experience and do well. I train here several days a week and do some instruction. People come here from such a wide area because of the superb facilities – which is good for Sheffield as a city.

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