GYMNASTICS is no longer the preserve of able-bodied athletes.

Youngster with disabilities and learning difficulties across the North-East now have the opportunity to take part in the sport.

About 60 competitors, aged seven to 16, were involved in the second Durham County Disabled Gymnastics Championship, at Deerness Leisure Centre, in Ushaw Moor, near Durham, yesterday.

Despite the name, the event was open to schools across the North-East, with ten taking the opportunity to enter competitors.

Katie Lawton, the British Gymnastics' Association North of England development officer, described it as, "a fantastic event".

"It's only the second year we've run it, and last year there was just one school involved," she said.

"To boost that to ten shows the increase in interest and I'm sure there will be still more next year.

"We've been able to send coaches to a lot of the schools participating, to work with the children in preparation for the competition, and it showed in the improving standard."

Youngsters took part in age group contests in both vault and floor disciplines, with gold and silver medals awarded to the best male and female performers, and bronze medals presented to all participants.

The event, sponsored by npower, was backed by the English Federation of Disability Sports and Durham City Council.

Organisers thanked the staff at Deerness Leisure Centre for their help in staging the competition.