Frances Blaylock became Darlington Gymnastics Club's first representative at a national final for 11 years after finishing third at the Regional Club Grades.

It means she will compete for the North-East at the National Club Grades Championship in Kettering next month as the top four finishers in each category qualify.

Meanwhile, club-mate Charlene Lindsay will travel as a reserve.

Frances' sister Kate achieved a third place in the Club Grade 5.

Also representing the club were Sally Austen (Club Grade 3), Katie Woodward (Club Grade 4), Robyn Harland (Club Grade 5), Jennifer Nelson, Hannah Grant, Alexandre Corner and Harriet Walker (all Club Grade 6).

During the same competition Laura Miller and Lyndsay Pickens both performed very well in the Regional Floor and Vault.

Also at the event were South Durham Gym Club who achieved considerable success. In Compulsory Level 4 (nine years), Bethany Wade (1st), Megan Thomas (2nd) and Sophie Wood (3rd) all qualified for the national event.

Lauren Drinkeld (2nd), Katy Usher (3rd) and Jasmine Spiers (4th) all achieved selection for the Kettering competition in the the Compulsory Level 3 (10 years).