OLYMPIC gymnast Beth Tweddle MBE was special guest at Wirral & Chester Taekwondo Academy's TeamGB-inspired open day on Saturday.

The first female gymnast from Great Britain to win a medal at the European Championships, World Championships, and Olympic Games, she was quoted in The Observer as saying the day was about "bringing the Olympic message home.

"It's important to create these opportunities, whether in school or in clubs – we need to send that team message and create the opportunities for people.”

Chief Instructor master Richard Saunders said: "Our IAMTEAMGB 'Open Day' has been a huge success.

"We are lucky to have a great family-orientated club and this open day has given us the chance to invite people in to have a look around.

"There was a buzz around the place.

"We are honoured that Beth Tweddle MBE was able to attend and the Open Day went from strength to strength.

"Beth really did bring the Olympic message to The Academy, encouraging new comers.

"Beth was more than happy to get on the mats and join in the classes, demonstrating one of our Taekwondo tenets, Indomitable Spirit, following her emergency back surgery earlier this year.

"Our students came out in force to support the event and brought along lots of new students to try out their Taekwondo skills."

The academy is located at Unit 7 in Grisedale Road, Bromborough. CH62 3QA. More details from www.wirraltkd.co.uk