WEAVER Vale MP Graham Evans tackled a climbing cliff with his son Tom to promote the benefits of outdoor recreation.

They were joined by Macclesfield MP David Rutley, British Mountaineering Council (BMC) president Rehan Siddiqui and BMC training officer Jon Garside on a visit to Helsby.

They took part in a climbing and abseiling session organised by the BMC to celebrate the health benefits and pleasures of climbing.

Helsby is Cheshire’s most important climbing cliff, lying within the National Trust Estate.

The two-tiered red sandstone crag overlooking the Mersey estuary offers 200 climbing routes and is home to rare birds such as the Peregrine, which climbers help to protect.

Graham and Tom had their first climbing and abseiling experience at Helsby, with David making a return trip to the crag, having first climbed there more than 20 years ago.

Graham was interested to learn how Helsby had played an important part in the development of climbing and to appreciate the hundreds of climbs on crags in his constituency.

Graham said: “Tom and I loved climbing; it’s great fun and a fantastic way for the whole family, young and old, to get involved in exercise together, though nothing can match the views when you get to the top.”

Hartford resident Mr Siddiqui said: “I’m thrilled to have shared the joys of climbing with Graham and his son. Climbing is a fantastic family activity and is rapidly growing in popularity with young people.

“We’re calling for politicians to be genuine advocates for outdoor recreation, helping to champion the health benefits and to protect our countryside and green spaces. It’s great to see this in action.”

David Rutley, co-chairman of the Mountaineering All-Party Parliamentary Group, said: “Outdoor activities are a positive way to tackle the challenge of physical inactivity, and it’s great to see more Parliamentary champions like Graham promoting them.”

While the weather was far from ideal, Graham, Tom and David all climbed, and Graham abseiled for the first time. The trip finished with Rehan leading a tour of the bouldering area, a venue for a quick climb on a summer’s evening.