YOUNG gymnasts from the North-East swept the boards with awards during a national competition.

A 20-strong team of eight to 15-year-olds from South Durham Gymnastics Club won 52 medals between them at the Manchester Invitational Competition - 24 gold, 18 silver, and ten bronze.

The club, which is based in Spennymoor, also won six trophies out of a possible nine.

The trophy winning members were Dena Kirk, eight, from Quarrington Hill, in the novice category, Claudia Barkers, nine, from Barnard Castle, at level four, Amy Tinkler, ten, from Bishop Auckland at level three, and Emily Gargan, 11, from High Shincliffe at level two.

The Federation of International Gymnastics (FIG) modified trophy winner was Stephanie Lowes, 14, from Darlington, and the FIG elite champion was Kate Dixon, 15, from Bishop Auckland.

Head coach Nicola Preston said: "It is a fantastic achievement to win so many medals and trophies.

"We were competing against some of the best gymnastics clubs in the country."

South Durham Gymnastics Club has male and female members aged six months to adults, and runs daily sessions at purpose built premises at Spennymoor Leisure Centre.

To join, call 01388-811877.