HUNDREDS of the North-East’s most promising young gymnasts displayed their talents in a keenly-contested championships yesterday (Saturday).

Deerness Gymnastics Academy in Deerness, in Ushaw Moor, near Durham City hosted the Deerness Floor Championships, attracting entries from 12 gymnastics clubs across the region, with more than 500 people taking part.

Many gymnasts from the Durham club took part in the competition which was developed to give young children the opportunity to perform their gymnastic skills in a friendly and encouraging environment.

Children aged four to 16, including novices, intermediates and advance gymnasts, participated in individual, pairs and disability categories.

The academy’s gymnastic director Karl Wharton said: “Congratulations and many thanks to all the clubs, gymnasts, coaches, parents and volunteers who made this a very successful day.

“Although Deerness Gymnastics Academy is known as a major club in GB gymnastics and home to world, European and British champions the club is also committed in helping to develop happy, healthy and confident children throughout the region.

“The sport also provides many young people throughout Durham and the North-East with the opportunity to improve their health and physical development, promote social and emotional skills as well as boost their confidence.

“Competitions like these are a great way to introduce children and young people to the competitive side of the sport.”

Deerness Gymnastics Academy, which has One Show and Countryfile presenter Matt Baker as its patron, has become one of Britain’s top gymnastics clubs over the past 20 years, with more than 100 international gymnasts securing 70 world and European medals. It has four World and six European Champions on its roll of honour.

To find out more about the academy contact 0191-373 9419 or visit www.deernessgymnastics.org.uk.