A PIONEERING gym club based in a former pit village is planning a series of events to mark the fifth anniversary of being saved from closure.

In 2011, Deerness Gymnastics Academy faced going under when the council-owned leisure centre in Ushaw Moor where it had been based since 2002 was earmarked for closure.

Rather than let the club close as there were no other suitable facilities in the area, coach Karl Wharton gathered support from gymnasts, the sport’s governing body and local councillors to take over the building themselves.

After a six-month probation in which the volunteers proved they could run the building, the academy was saved.

Since then, the club’s acrobatic gymnasts have won more than 20 medals at both European and World Championships as well as producing a number of national champions.

A team made up of members won a £100,000 TV talent show prize to keep the club afloat and their coach was awarded the MBE earlier this year in the Queen’s Birthday Honours List.

Now the club has announced a string of shows which will mark the anniversary.

Mr Wharton, now director of gymnastics at the academy, said: “This is going to be a magical week of events at Deerness Gymnastics Academy as we celebrate five years managing the whole building as well as the club.

“The high-quality, artistic entertainment is perfect to kick off the festive season with friends and family.

“As well as providing great entertainment these shows help to provide much-needed funds to support our gymnasts throughout the year.”

More than 100 performers will take part in the shows, which include awesome displays of physical strength and incredible feats of balance, including a display by Acropolis, winners of the ITV talent show Let’s Get Gold in 2012.

As well as training elite champions, gymnastics coaching in acrobatics, tumbling and trampolining are available to all ages, from novice to more experienced athletes, along with recreational classes for children.

Tickets for the Deerness Christmas Shows, which run every night from Sunday, December 18 to Wednesday, December 21, have gone on sale through the academy on 0191-373-9419 or email contact@deernessgymnastics.org.uk.