ACROBATS are taking part in a national competition this weekend.

Twenty-one youngsters from Deerness Gymnastics Academy, Ushaw Moor, are heading to the National Development Program Championships.

To qualify the gymnasts, aged nine to 19, had to win gold in the regional qualifying competition which took place earlier this year in South Shields.

At the regional finals the club won 13 medals, more than any other club, with nine teams winning gold, three silver and one bronze.

Katie Lawton, acrobatics coach at Deerness Gymnastics Academy, said: “Yet again our gymnasts did themselves, their parents and the club proud at the regional qualifiers and we are really looking forward to the national championships.

“Here at Deerness Gymnastics Academy we have a strong history as a competitive club and our young gymnasts have been working so hard to prepare for competition, and gaining the confidence and skills that participating in competitive events brings.

“So it is great to see their hard work and commitment resulting in success, which will hopefully inspire and encourage more people to get involved with the club.”