Kate Dixon and Hayley Robson, two promising young gymnasts from the South Durham Gymnastics Club in Spennymoor, both won a gold medal at the North of England Regional Championships on Sunday.

The event was held at The Benfield School of Gymnastic Excellence in Newcastle and the hundreds of spectators who packed into the gymnastics hall created their own charged atmosphere as they clapped and cheered competitors from six gymnastic clubs in the North from 10am-6pm.

Kate, nine-years-old, who took gold in the South Durham A Team in the 11 years and under Pre-Elite section said: "I didn't think I would win as I had falls on the bars and the beam. It was hard work but I think I'm getting better as a gymnast." Kate's top scored on the vault where she produced an excellent tucked Tsukahara.

Hayley, 13, who recently made her international debut for Great Britain won the Elite 13 years and under section and also felt she had not done enough to win. "I fell off the bars but I knew I had done well on the beam and I'm very happy to have won." Coach Nicola Preston said: "Hayleys routine was very difficult and had a high starting value, it involved a one and a half turning Giant into Giant Full into Geinger into a Pack Salto dismounting with a Double Straight."

The 67 gymnasts from clubs in South Durham, Carlisle, Wansbeck, Redcar, Saltburn and the City of Newcastle combined breathtaking skill and aesthetic movement with youthful exuberance to have spectators on the edge of their seats.

South Durham coach Rachael Wright said: "The regional finals are good experience for our younger pre-elite gymnasts but if they reach a certain score they automatically go into the elite section next time. We were without Sophie Wood and Amy Fossheim because of injury so that was a little disappointing for us."