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An outdoor activities expert has transformed a former lifeboat station into a successful climbing wall business – realising a six-year dream to start his own firm.

Andy Sutcliffe and his wife Emma-Jane had spent six years planning to open their own facility in the area with Andy working as climbing coordinator for Conwy County Borough Council.

The 41-year-old was finally able to pursue his venture after securing a £50,000 loan from the Development Bank of Wales.

This saw him set up the Boathouse Climbing Centre at the former RNLI boathouse station on Lloyd Street, Llandudno, opening the doors this spring.

Andy said: “I’ve previously managed the indoor climbing facilities for Conwy leisure centres in my role as climbing co-ordinator for Conwy County Borough Council but unfortunately the council were not in a position to further invest and develop the facilities and programmes.

“Thanks to the loan from Development Bank of Wales I was able to rejuvenate an amazing building and open a facility that is helping to promote the area for tourism and we are attracting even more people from the local community to come and use the facilities.

“We wanted to develop the Old Lifeboat Station with respect and care of its history and have used local businesses and suppliers for the revamp.

“Our youngest climber is two years old and our eldest is 94, so there really is something for everyone and more people are getting the opportunity to participate.”