A Shropshire couple, Dan and Emma Whelan, have both been crowned world champions in pole climbing. Dan Whelan secured his fifth consecutive world championship title this week at Ragley Hall, near Alcester in Warwickshire, while Emma Whelan won her second title.
Pole climbing involves competitors racing to the top of 80ft (24.3m) fir poles using specialised spiked shoes and a climbing strop. Dan, a tree surgeon, can climb an 80ft pole in nine seconds. Emma, a customer service advisor, can complete the climb in 15 seconds and aims to achieve 13 seconds.
Dan began competing at 16, influenced by his grandfather who also competed. Emma was introduced to the sport by her husband a decade ago.