A TEENAGE disabled gymnast has landed a British championship title for the second successive year - despite her training being hit by injury.

Karina Bean, 14, won the junior British championship in general movement for people with disabilities, held in Poole, Dorset.

Karina, who lives in Melsonby, North Yorkshire, and trains at Darlington Gymnastics Club, won gold medals in the bars, floor and vault categories and silver at the beam discipline, which helped her win overall gold.

She won the overall title last year when the event was held in Newcastle, but had not been expected to retain her title after missing training because of injury.

Her mother, Amanda, said: "She has had a year out of the gym with injuries and has only been back four weeks. So to win it for a second year, she has done really well."

Karina competes in class one events for gymnasts with learning difficulties, but also has problems with her hip and knees.

Mrs Bean said: "She probably overcomes four times as much as a normal gymnast does."

The family need sponsorship to help her continue competing. To help, contact them on 01325-717938.