SCHOOL pupils are preparing to defend a gymnastics title against some of the best young gymnasts in the area.

Youngsters from Queen Mary's School at Baldersby, near Topcliffe, are hard at work practising for the Hambleton District Gym Competition. The school entered the contest for the first time last year and came away with several medals and the trophy for the best junior girls' team.

Sue Grimshaw, head of gymnastics, said: "We were thrilled to do so well last year, and particularly against schools with many more pupils than Queen Mary's. We are hoping to repeat that success and perhaps do even better."

The school has entered senior and junior teams for the floor and vaulting sections, and for the first time, two pupils will compete in the acrobatic pairs. Twelve girls from Queen Mary's will take part in the competition, which is being held in Northallerton next Wednesday.

They will compete against gymnasts from schools across the region including Stokesley, Richmond, Northallerton and Eaglescliffe.