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

Gemma Proud, 13, of Shield Row, Stanley, County Durham, came first in the recent under-15s zonal schools competition in Manchester.

She also won the same category in a regional schools competition in 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 also hard work."

In March, she will go to Wales for the national schools competition.

Gemma trains six times a week at Washington Leisure Centre and wants to enter competitions all over Europe.

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

She is doing a sponsored spring to see how many somersaults she can do in a row, with just one bounce in between. The money will be used to fund her training and travel to future competitions.

It is expected to take place at the end of next month.

To sponsor Gemma, call Mr and Mrs Proud on (01207) 236239.