BUDDING gymnasts were able to show off their talents at a festival in Bishop Auckland yesterday.

Children from schools across the Bishop Auckland area thrilled parents and teachers with their performances at the Wear Valley School Sport Co-ordinators Programme Gymnastics Festival at King James Community College.

The festival provides a way to celebrate pupil participation in gymnastics in schools and gives students the chance to practise what they have learnt in a non-competitive environment. Organiser Garry Purcell, school sports co-ordinator, said: "A lot of hard work and preparation time has gone into this display, both in and out of school hours. "All the children had a tremendous afternoon and were spellbound by the performances given by South Durham Gymnastics Club."