In the face of stiff competition Darlington Gymnastics Club has been named North of England Club of the Year in recognition of their outstanding achievements during 2002-2003.

At its annual ceremony in Durham on Saturday the North of England Gymnastics Association (NEGA) made the presentation to chairman, Liz Blaylock, who received the award on behalf of the club.

It's the first time the club have received the honour and is a welcome reward after two years of hard work during which time the club has grown sevenfold.

After many years in the doldrums officials set out a five-year development plan with the aim of becoming a major centre of gymnastics excellence and now, not only is it providing gymnastic disciplines at a variety of levels, but it is also, once again, producing gymnasts capable of competing at the highest levels.

Brian Everett, vice president of the club said: "This prestigious honour, awarded in the face of competition from major clubs in cities and towns throughout the North, is recognition of the tremendous work put in by a small number of voluntary club officials, coaching staff and children, supported by parents, in seeking to put Darlington at the forefront of British Gymnastics.

"The development of youth through sporting activities is not only important to the individual, it plays a vital role in the future of community relations in Darlington."

He went on to say that he hoped that the Borough Council and others within the community would continue to help in providing the essential support for the club to seek permanent facilities to match those provided elsewhere in the North of England.

At the NEGA Annual General Meeting, which preceded the awards ceremony, Everett was also elected vice chairman of NEGA and its representative on English Gymnastics.