A YOUNG athlete is through to the final of a national trampolining contest.

Gemma Proud, 13, of Shield Row, Stanley, came first in the recent under-15s zonal schools competition in Manchester. She also won the same category in the regional schools competition at Newcastle in December and is now training to take on the best of the best.

Gemma, a pupil at Tanfield School Specialist College of Science and Engineering, said: "Winning the last two rounds has boosted my confidence about the final.

"I like going to competitions and trampolining gives me something to do and I can make new friends. It is very exciting but it is hard work."

Gemma trains six times a week at Washington Leisure Centre and wants to enter competitions all over Europe. In March she will travel to Wales for the National Schools Competition.

She said: "My ambition is go to the Olympics and represent Great Britain in the sport."

Gemma is planning a sponsored spring next month to see how many times she can somersault with just one bounce in between. The money will be used to fund her training and travel to future competitions.

To sponsor Gemma call her parents, Stephen and Karen Proud, on (01207) 236239.