NORTH WEST MILLENNIUM CUP TRAMPOLINE COMPETITION

BLACKBURN Trampoline Club hosted one of the most prestigious events in the North West -- and did themselves proud.

Held at Darwen Leisure Centre, members of Jump UK -- the competitive section of the club -- competing against international gymnasts from across Europe.

The event, which has been held in Blackburn for the past 15 years, not only attracted a host of North West clubs but also those from as far afield as Germany.

But Jump UK gymnasts showed they could compete with the best of the rest and Vicky Pilkington did well to finish in fourth place in the individual graded event and and also finished second with partner Lucie Hoole in the Synchronised Trampolining event.

Also in the Synchronised event, Helen Brookes and Stephanie Finn came eighth with sisters Danielle and Nicolle Wood finishing in 19th place.

In the individual events, Helen Brookes finished a very good ninth place with Nicolle Wood in 16th spot.

However the club were hoping for better results in the team competition but had to settle for third and fourth places. Jump UK 'A' team, including Amber Taylor, Stephanie Finn, Helen Brookes and Vicky Pilkington, took third spot.

Lucie Hoole, Danielle and Nicolle Wood made up the 'B' team which finished fourth.

However German club Kempener and top British gymnasts from Kirklees, Huddersfield took all the top honours.

German youth squad members Timm Metternick and Michael Soesters took the first two places in the open youth section while the team also took number one place.

In the senior section, GB performers Richard Hellawell and Debbie Nicholson, both of Kirklees, claimed the top top spots and the team award.

Kempener also took all three synchronised titles while Kirklees took the overall club title.

Coach Chris Todd said: "The event has been held in Blackburn for the last 15 years and has grown into a major event in the sporting calendar.

"It is one of only a few events held in Britain that offers synchronised trampolining in its programme."

Jump UK gymnasts are now training to compete in Germany in the Baltic Cup to be held in June with a group also going to train at an international camp in July.

The club is looking for new members and offer preliminary courses at Darwen Leisure Centre. For details contact Chris Todd on 01200 445442.