BURNLEY Gymnastics Club followed up their recent success in Preston by taking a squad of 36 gymnasts to the Summer Spectacular 2 Piece Competition at the Wire Gymnastics Club in Warrington.

Many of the squad were making their competitive debut, including a team of five boys which was another first for the club.

The club were competing against squads from Bury, Liverpool and City of Manchester among others from the North West region.

Based over two days, the competition had a summer theme and the action certainly began to hot up in the gym as the medals began to flow.

First in the medals was debutant Charlie Wheeler with a remarkable effort as he finished third on the floor third on the vault to clinch third place overall.

A special award was given to the competition’s youngest competitor, Max Calverley, who never stopped smiling throughout his performances on the day.

Elsewhere on day one, Cora Fifield took home gold on her vault to finish in sixth overall in the 10 and overs category.

On day two the medals continued to come in thick and fast in the 10 and Under category.

Katie Hornby took gold on floor and a bronze overall. Kitty Turner delivered a solid performance as she won overall silver. Olivia Lomax and Francesca Varey finished joint second on floor with Olivia also finishing third overall.

Charlie Hodgetts capped a fine vault picking up bronze while Maddison Laraby took home a bronze on floor to cap a dominant display in this category.

Special mention to Emily Gray who took part following her return from an unrelated gymnastics injury, despite two weeks training.

In the 10 and over category, Abbie Wheeler went one better than her brother the previous day by winning silver on vault with teammate Alice Burrows taking a bronze on vault.

In a highly competitive category, Isla Barnes capped a solid all-round performance narrowly missing out on a bronze overall. Towards the end of the day three more medals followed with Millie Porter taking silver on floor and bronze overall. Olivia Noonan took a silver on vault, bronze on floor and bronze overall to cap a fine weekend for the club.

Head Coach Kim Sharples was full of praise for her young gymnasts.

She said: “It was great to take so many gymnasts, many competing for the very first time.

“To win medals is the icing on the cake for all the hard work that happens in the gym.

“These competitions are crucial to help gymnasts progress in the sport. Many thanks for Wire Gymnastics Club to hosting a really friendly competition.”

Anyone wishing to try gymnastics can contact the BEST Centre on 01282 455068 or email info@thebestcentre.com, or log on to the club’s website, www.thebestcentre.com