PROOF that there is more to gymnastics than a wobble across a beam was put before hundreds of youngsters in the North-East yesterday.

The idea behind County Durham's first gymnastics festival was to give children the chance to try it for themselves. The event at Spennymoor Leisure Centre, was hailed a success by Lucy Robinson, the regional development officer for British Gymnastics.

She said: "It has been a wonderful way to introduce gymnastics to children who have never tried it before."

Displays were by the South Durham, Deerness, Jaynell, West Cumbria and South Tyneside Gymnastics Clubs, West Cornforth Primary School and Framwellgate Moor Comprehensive School.

Anyone interested in the sport should contact Ms Robinson on 0191-374 1760.