TWO medal-winning gymnasts have opened a cheerleading fitness school.

Chloe Pittilla, 23, and Hannah Browning, 24, both former Team GB members, have launched the Durham Cheerleading Academy, based at Sherburn Leisure Centre.

Both women are qualified ‘cheerobics’ instructors, mixing aerobic exercise with cheerleading to create fun fitness sessions.

They represented Great Britain for Sports Acrobatics Gymnastics, winning bronze medals at both European Championships and World Championships.

Both have also won gold medals at British Championships.

Miss Pittilla, an NHS worker from Pittington who has a degree in childhood studies, said: “We aim to pass on our expertise and also become role models for people aspiring to achieve in sport in the North-East.

“Our academy will have competitive squads for children of all ages, through the teenage years and into adulthood.

“We hope that the squads will bring together people from the local community and surrounding areas and encourage team working skills from an early age.

“We also hope to provide children with something they may not already have the chance to participate in.

“Our classes will improve motor skills and fitness levels but in a fun environment.”

Under 14s cheerleading classes are on Monday from 6pm-7pm and adult cheerobics fitness classes are on Monday from 7pm-8pm. Sessions cost £4. More sessions will be added in future. For more information email Cheerdurham@outlook.com, or visit www.durhamcheerleadingacademy.co.uk.