A SPECTACULAR gymnastics team who have appeared on TV across Europe are to perform at The Northern Echo’s Local Heroes Awards.

Although four members of Durham-based Acropolis are currently on a UK tour with Ashley Banjo and Diversity, 10 of the team have agreed to appear at the awards ceremony, taking place in the Dolphin Centre, in Darlington on December 5.

Acropolis, based at Deerness Gymnastics Academy in Ushaw Moor, perform incredible feats of acrobatic strength, agility and bravery, combined with beautiful gymnastics and stunning choreography.

Performers at Local Heroes will include European silver medallists: Chelsea Fisher, Abbi Greaves, Michael Gill, Stuart Napier, Nathan Brady and Finn Gavin, alongside the emerging talent of Steven Dixon, Paul Dixon, Andrew Piper and Marcus Winship.

Acropolis won last year’s ITV show "Let’s Get Gold" and came second in the French talent show "The Best Le Meilleur Artiste".

Coach Stuart Thompson said: "It has been a great year for the gymnasts and the club to see the fantastic audience reactions to their performances.

"Millions of people have now seen Acropolis either live or on TV and we are looking forward to entertaining many more over the coming months.

"It is a very different prospect to international sporting competition where our gymnasts are experienced in representing Great Britain at the very highest level.

"But it is testament to the community spirit in our club that the entertainment team can help support the clubs sporting ambition."