A SUCCESSFUL gymnastics club is appealing for support to beat the vandals who are targeting its academy base.

In the latest crime to hit Deerness Gymnastics Academy, the letter ‘E’ was stolen from the club’s sign just a couple of weeks after it was installed at a cost of more than £2,000.

Karl Wharton, the club’s director of gymnastics, said such mindless acts were really disheartening and affecting the running of the club.

Over the last 25 years, the County Durham club has produced more than 80 international class gymnasts and won more than 60 world and European medals, all from the small village of Ushaw Moor.

Eighteen months ago, the club took over running its base from Durham County Council, which was planning to close it.

Since then, there have been several incidents of theft and vandalism at the facility.

The latest crime took place on Wednesday night (March 13).

Mr Wharton said: “A lot of hard work has gone into ensuring this club has a future and it’s really disheartening that these mindless acts affect the running of this club and its continued development.”

The club now wants to install a new security system to protect the academy.

Mr Wharton appealed to anyone who could help to come forward. To support the appeal, call the academy on 0191-373-9419, email: contact@deernessgymnastics.org.uk or visit deernessgymnastics.org.uk