A WIRRAL girl was handed an award in memory of a Ellesmere Port Climbing Hut member.

The Dave Johnson Award is granted annually from the Ellesmere Port Climbing Hut to a young person who has made a signification contribution or impact in their community.

The recipient gains a year of free Climbing Hut membership and £150 cash to spend as they choose.

This year, the award was handed to Matilda Wootten from Wirral, who joined the Climbing Hut in June.

The award is given in memory of Dave Johnson, a former climbing member who passed away in 2020.

Samantha Oxford, Director of Operations, said: “Matilda’s nomination stood out as she contributes to society in so many different positive ways.

“From playing in Wirral’s brass band and charity fundraising, to helping foster care services and completing a young person’s leadership programme and being an active member of her church.”

The award was handed out during the company’s sixth birthday this weekend.

Matilda said: “This came as a complete shock so thank you.

“Dave Johnson continues to encourage young people to develop their skills through this fund. I can see he was a very generous person.

“I’m looking forward to getting to know the climbing community that Dave loved so much. I’m so grateful and I’m going to make it count.”