A YOUNG Wirral gymnast who suffered a horrific injury while training has picked up three gold medals in national competitions.

Mia Amer, a member of Wirral Gymnastics Club, fractured her proximal humerus - the bone connecting the top of the arm to the shoulder - in three places while training for the Cheshire and Merseyside Floor and Vault Championships last August.

But the 15-year-old from Eastham did not let this stop her participating in the sport that she loves and devotes so much time to.

Instead, she helped other coaches by passing on her knowledge and experience to younger gymnasts and barely missed a training session.

Once given permission by her doctor, she slowly started training again and the rewards were many.

She came away with the gold medal at the competition in May.

A month later Mia, who attends Wirral Grammar School for Girls, added the title of North West Floor Champion to her name and this month claimed her third gold medal at the prestigious Phil Tighe competition.

Squad coach Anna Mackie told the Globe: "As always Mia demonstrated her commitment to gymnastics, by barely missing a training session even whilst she was injured.

"Though it was gentle progress with many weeks spent on stretching and conditioning the body only, before being allowed to practice non weight baring skills such as leaps and jumps.

"The effort put in to her rehab and recovery paid off at her first competition back.

"Mia is an exceptional role model to other gymnasts and is an example of how resilience, perseverance and dedication are essential to sporting success."