An Oxenhope man is scaling new heights in New Zealand.

Matthew Pierson, who was bitten by the climbing bug while a pupil at Oakbank School, in Keighley, has finished runner-up in a New Zealand national bouldering championship.

He had to complete a gruelling set of climbs to grab the coveted spot.

"I was really pleased with the result," he told the Keighley News from his home at Castle Hill, near Christchurch.

"The routes are graded and you get points according to the difficulty of the moves.

"Last time I took part I came about 15th, so it was good to finish second this time."

He added: "You receive about 200 bucks worth of stuff but it's not that you do it for -- I just love to climb. It's the thrill and feeling of accomplishment.

"There is a great camaraderie between the climbers taking part. It's not really like a competition."

Matthew, 25, took up climbing about 11 years ago, attending Wednesday evening sessions while at Oakbank.

After completing his A-levels he went to Preston University to study design, but ditched the course a year later when his desire to travel got the better of him.

"I got bored with the studying and wanted to see the world," he said.

So Matthew headed to Sheffield, where he pursued his passion for climbing -- with frequent forays into the neighbouring Peak District -- while working to accumulate the funds for his global adventure.

After about a year and a half, with the necessary cash in his pocket, he launched his backpacking dream.

Visiting Thailand and Australia first, he then headed for New Zealand, where he has now lived for about two years.

He would like to settle there, but problems with gaining residency may force his hand.

"It is a beautiful country and I would love to stay but I can't get residency at present," said Matthew, whose parents Robert and Linda live at Oxenhope.

"You are restricted as a British citizen. For example, you are only allowed to make a limited number of visits to Australia and I love it over there.

"To apply for residency you have to be able to meet certain criteria -- such as having a degree in a field specific to what you are doing, or be married. I don't have the degree and on the marriage front I don't think anyone would have me!

"I will probably come back to England sometime next year and perhaps do a degree.

"It is a wonderful lifestyle down here and the climbing is fantastic, so I wouldn't really want to leave."

Matthew's job in New Zealand is an extension of his hobby. He works as an instructor at a YMCA climbing gym and he is currently also compiling a guide book to climbs.