Twenty-seven athletes representing 17 countries across five continents descended on Trafalgar Square yesterday for the world free-running championships.

Competitors were judged on their ability to traverse a series of concrete blocks, scaffolding and brick walls. They were awarded points for technical difficulty, execution, creativity and fluidity. British hopeful George Mayfield, 17, was competing for the first time. "It's an honour for me to compete alongside the best athletes in the world," he said. Free-running, or parkour, was founded in France by Sébastien Foucan and David Belle.