A YOUNG gymnast who was reluctant to enter a talent contest has come out the runaway winner.

Schoolgirl Jodi Hutchinson, aged ten, of Cockfield, has been doing gymnastics for three years and trains twice a week at Teesdale sports centre.

She had gone along to watch the talent contest at the village's workingmen's club, which was held to raise money for additional features at the new Hazelgrove recreational development. She was not keen to take part in the show but was persuaded to do a solo display by her mother, Lesley.

Jodi, who was the village's carnival queen two years ago, wowed the audience with her skills at doing the splits, somersaults and flips to take the first prize. She was presented with a selection of CDs and some sweets.

Mr David Prior, a member of Cockfield community association who is involved with the Hazelgrove project, rang the D&S Times because he was so impressed by Jodi's display.

"I hope you will do a write up on her because she is such a lovely, talented little girl," he said.

Jodi is a member of Teesdale gym club, run by coach Mr John Regan and his wife, Pat, at Teesdale sports centre. She used to be a keen swimmer but has given it up to concentrate on gymnastics, which she says she prefers.