TRAMPOLINISTS from St Mary's College in Wallasey returned from a national competition with silver medals.

They faced tough competition in the National Schools trampoline final in Gateshead, Tyne and Wear.

The boys' Under-19 Novice team members Ashley Waterhouse, Alfred Mupakas and Kane Stapleton took second place in their category against the whole of the UK.

It is the first time the boys, aged 16, 15 and 17 respectively, have competed at this level.

Meanwhile, Amy Catherall took fourth place nationally in the Under-19 Elite category, narrowly missing out on a medal.

The 16-year-old was also competing at the top level for the first time, pitched against older and more experienced girls, some of whom have represented Great Britain in international competitions.

St Mary's trampolinists, who train regularly in an after-school club, rose before dawn last Saturday to make the four hour journey to the famous Gateshead Leisure Centre on the banks of the River Tyne.

After taking part in the opening ceremony and parading behind the four flags of the United Kingdom, they took part in individual and team events in the arena watched by a huge crowd.

Coach and St Mary's PE teacher, Lisa Snelson, said: 'This is another great sporting moment for St Mary's.

"We never expected to get so far in the finals, which were the culmination of two very intensive rounds first in Wigan and then in Hull.

"We are all very proud and delighted.'

The UK Schools' Trampoline Competition is run annually under the auspices of the British Schools' Gymnastics Association, and teams must succeed at regional then zonal levels to win a place in the finals.

St Mary’s successful trampolinists with coach Lisa Snelson