THREE young gymnasts from the North-East have been selected to compete for Great Britain.

The girls, who train at Spennymoor Leisure Centre, in County Durham, secured their places with the squad after a successful past year.

Beth Donaldson, of Sedgefield Community College, Emily Gargan, of Shincliffe Primary School, and Amy Tinkler, of Durham High School, all rank in Britain’s top ten for their age group.

Amy, nine, finished second at the level four British Age Group Championships, held in Guildford in November.

Emily, ten, was fourth in the level three voluntary championships and tenth all round in the UK for her age group.

Beth, 12, has competed in her first year of the British Espoir Championships.

Spennymoor coaches Nicola Preston and Rachael Wright believe all three girls have the potential to be big winners.

Ms Preston said: “I’m very proud of them – they have all been fantastic.

“They all compete very well and have such a hunger to win at such a young age. This will be good experience for them for the future.”