TWO rising gymnastic stars are set to fulfill their dreams by competing for their country today.

Mia Scott and Leah Greenland, who train with South Durham Gymnastics, at The Pink Gym, in Spennymoor, will make their debut for Great Britain’s Junior Team at the Rushmoor Rosebowl Competition, in Aldershot.

The youngsters, who spend 24 hours in training every week, will compete on all four pieces of apparatus, vault, bars, beam and floor, as part of a five-strong team.

Head coach, Nicola Preston, said the girls had done extremely well to gain their places on the team and were some of the youngest with Mia being 14 and Leah only 13.

They will also be supported by their fellow head coach, Rachael Wright, who is leading the team.

Ms Preston said: “It’s a big thing for them and they are very young juniors so it’s just fantastic and shows all their hard work.”

Leah, a pupil at Whitworth Park School, said: “When I was told that I was going to be representing Great Britain at my first ever international I was speechless. I would like to thank everyone who was involved in enabling me to achieve one of my biggest goals especially my mam, nana, Nic and Rach.”

Mia, who attends St John’s School and Sixth Form - a Catholic Academy, added: “I was so shocked and overwhelmed that both me and Leah were selected to be a part of such an amazing team and represent Great Britain for the first time.

“I would like to thank my friends, family, school and the whole of South Durham gymnastics for making this amazing experience possible.”