WORLD paraclimbing champion Abbie Robinson officially opened a new 12-metre walls at the Lakeland Climbing Centre in Kendal on Monday.

The original walls at the 25-year-old centre have been re-vamped – and gone are the panels bought in 1995 from the World Climbing Championships of 1989 in Leeds. They have been replaced with new ply panels and more options for auto-belay lines.

The centre’s iconic stalactite remains but has been revamped with extra features and holds.

Joining Abbie after the first climb were Kendal Wall regulars John and Stella Adams and young climber Tom Robinson, aged three.

“These new walls are versatile and full of fabulous routes,” said route setting manager Ben Roe.

“We are determined to see Kendal Wall keep up with what our customers and visitors to the area deserve.”