A GROUP of young Wirral gymnasts returned as British champions after competing in national finals last weekend.

The sporting stars from Birkenhead Gymnastics Academy represented the North West at the Acrobatic NDP & IDP Finals 2018 at Fenton Manor in Stoke-on-Trent on May 19 and 20.

Each had to qualify through regional heats which were held in March.

Tallulah Brady Jones, Lydia Poval and Chloe Burns won the International Development Pathway Groups while nine-year-olds Sophie Cass and Ava Jones won the Grade 1 WP Category.

Eddie Mudge and Merryn Duffy also received bronze for the Grade 2 Mixed Pair category.

Head coach Dawn Mitchell said: "For most it was their first time at a National Final and in such a huge venue.

"However, this did not show in their performance and they competed and behaved like seasoned professionals, along with our champions we also had had two 4th places and one 7th place.

"Since moving to its new premises at the Kingsland Building in Borough Road Birkenhead the club has gone from strength to strength and has just recently had five of our gymnasts selected for National Squads."

For more information on how to join the club as either a beginner or an experienced gymnast call 0774 0781 996.