A TALENTED group of young Richmond gymnasts have taken the joint title of English Champions at a tournament in Newcastle.

The gymnasts from

Richmondshire Gymnastics Club

- known as the 'Richmondshire Rebels’ - competed from teams across the UK on trampette, tumbling and floor pieces.

Richmondshire took joint gold alongside the Newcastle-based North-East Gymnastics Academy, with Tyneside Gymnastics and Leeds Esprit taking the silver and bronze.

Head Coach Rebecca Clay said: “It was an amazing feeling hearing Richmondshire’s name called out as gold medallists.

"They have worked so hard and overcome many challenges over recent months, making this moment even more special. The Rebels are not only very talented gymnasts but they have shown incredible teamwork too, supporting each other at training and competition."

The team are all aged between eight and 11 and train at Colburn Leisure Centre and Thirsk Dales School of Gymnastics at Thirsk Auction Mart.

The club has now announced it is

fundraising

to develop its site at Thirsk Auction Mart to provide more opportunities for its local squad to compete on a national stage.

The improvements include installing a new tumble track and landing pit and the club needs to raise around £10,000.

Anyone who can help, can find the club on facebook or email Richmondshiregymenquiries@gmail.com