GYMNASTS from Redcar are to visit the US later this year to take part in intense training with their American counterparts.

Sixteen athletes, aged from eight to 14, will be in Maryland, from October 16 to 27, where they will stay with local families and train every day.

One of the gymnasts is nine-year-old Vicky Fowler, who was featured in The Northern Echo this week, for helping rescue a seven-year-old boy who had been hung by his coat from playground equipment by teenage thugs in the park in Dormanstown, near Middlesbrough.

Karen Jones, from Redcar Gymnastics Club, said: "We have been doing a lot to try to raise money, because the trip will cost about £15,000. So far we have £8,000.

"The girls have been doing bag-packing at local shops, including Redcar's Somerfield, and they have also done sponsored walks and held tombolas and raffles."

The girls will walk from Redcar to Saltburn, along the beach and back again, on Sunday to raise more funds. On August 27 and 28, the gymnasts will again pack bags in Somerfield.

The gymnastics club has also had some generous donations. An elderly couple gave £200 and Ladbrokes donated £500.

If anyone would like to make a donation call Diane Richardson on (01642) 473358.