A TEENAGE gymnast kept her cool on the national stage to land a British title.

Leah Greenland, from Spennymoor, took gold at the British Championships, in Liverpool, last week.

The 13-year-old is a member of South Durham Gymnastics Club, based at Spennymoor Leisure Centre’s ‘Pink Gym’ and used to train alongside Amy Tinkler, of Bishop Auckland, who trained there before winning bronze at the 2016 Games in Rio.

Leah's huge score of 13.15 on the beam saw her crowned Junior British Beam Champion and, despite being one of the youngest girls in the competition as a first year junior having to overcome injuries before the contest, she finished 13th in the country.

Coach Nic Preston said she is very dedicated and has a gift for performing well in competition.

Club mates Mia Scott and Lydia Collins also took part in the Junior Championships and Leah Rockett represented the club in the senior event. Mia ended up ranked 7th best junior gymnast in the country.

Coach Nic Preston said: “Perhaps the most nerve-wracking of pieces, the beam at only 10cm wide is the stumbling block for many gymnasts.

“She started the routine with a difficult mount and never looked back, demanding attention from everyone around her.

“She performed with absolute confidence, not a flicker of hesitation and gave nothing away to the judges.

“Leah has a really special gift to be able to turn it on and perform when she competes.

“Leah and Mia will now be working hard to trial for the European championships later this year.

“The future is bright for the next generation of gymnasts in the club.”