THE Bury St Edmunds Spectrum Badge Competition saw five young gymnasts from Beccles Royales Gymnastics Club take part.

The girls were all very excited about this competition, having recently tasted success in their own club competition at the end of March. They overcome any nerves and performed really well on the day, coming home with three medals – competing against children who train in permanent gym centres.

There were 12 competitors in level one seven-and-under age group with Imogen Whyte winning bronze, and Tamzin Sprake only two points behind. In the 7/o group Isabelle Brown came fourth to just miss out.

In level two 7-8 Grace Mehew gained gold while her team-mate Iona Goodall took bronze.

Club coach Donald Carr said they should be really proud of themselves. He also thanked coaches Ann Brockwell and Nicola Daly.

For further information or to join the club, contact the secretary on 01502 716852.

l Before Bury, Royales competed in the Regional Generals, Stevenage.

Emma Wilson and Zoe Stennett joined 37 other aged 8-9 level one gymnasts to battle for 12 medals. Zoe won silver on vault and floor bronze, while Emma performed her best ever on the bars. Sian Cordery, Sian Foulsham-Ellis and Sarah Playford faced 20 competitors in the 10-11 group. Sarah won gold on vault and bench, while on her regional debut Cordery was fourth on vault and bench. Foulsham-Ellis performed with confidence.

Then in 10-11 level two Rebekah Aitken and Rebecca Chapman took on a field of 27. Rebekah's floor routine scored a credible eighth. Rebecca won gold on bars and bench, and just missed out on a floor medal.

Coach Alf Dyer said: 'They all had a long journey, worked on unfamiliar equipment and faced stiff competition. They all rose to the challenge. For seven gymnasts to gain six medals in a field of 125 demonstrates the hard work of the gymnasts and their coaches.'