HUNDREDS of gymnasts have been given an extra spring in their steps after receiving a surprise cash windfall to provide a new sprung floor for their beloved club.

Members of the Tees Valley Gymnastics Club have cartwheeled, tumbled and somersaulted their way to success to become reigning British champions in group display gymnastics – despite the club facing closure in 2012.

More than 250 gymnasts aged from eight to 18-years-old now bolster the Middlesbrough-based club that has received a £5,000 donation after topping a public poll to find a worthy winner of the generous grant.

The Middlesbrough and Teesside Philanthropic Foundation handed the significant cheque over as part of its inaugural Sporting Golden Giveaway to support 15 sports clubs in the Tees Valley area.

Allison Thain, Tees Valley Gymnastics Club head coach, said: “This is huge for us. We went to the presentation expecting to receive £500, so we were ecstatic to win £5,000.”

She added: “Many of our gymnasts are from low income families but they do all they can to contribute to our running costs.

“Now we’re planning more fundraising including sleepovers, bag packs, a show at Middlesbrough Theatre and hosting a competition against other gymnastic clubs.

“Everything we have on site, in terms of equipment, we have fundraised tirelessly for or we have built ourselves, but there is only so much people can give.

“The fact that our children train on a floor that we have built ourselves puts them at a disadvantage when competing regionally, nationally and internationally.

“We are striving to put Teesside on the map for sporting achievements and a sprung floor that absorbs shocks to give a softer feel will help them reach their full potential as young athletes – sprung floors enhance performance and reduce the number of injuries gymnasts suffer.”

The club shared in the £20,000 giveaway from the Middlesbrough and Teesside Philanthropic Foundation that saw Guisborough Rugby Club and the Loftus Dolphins Swimming Club receive substantial sums alongside other sporting squads.

Fifteen clubs involved in the giveaway attended a presentation at Middlesbrough Football Club’s Riverside Stadium to receive their cheque.