A GYMNAST from Northwich will represent the county next month after scoring highest in her category at the Cheshire and Merseyside Club Grades in Liverpool.

Hartford School of Gymnastics’ Kerry Gillies competed against more than 20 rivals at level 3 to earn a place in the team for the North West Grades finals.

She showcased a routine on all four regular pieces of apparatus – bars, beam, floor and vault – as well as a range and conditioning exercise to test her strength and flexibility.

Hartford’s Ella Gaskill, Rea Gaskill, Rhea Carless, Ella Day and Millie Harding were part of a 68-strong field in the level 4 competition.

Five of their clubmates – Katie Ridge, Megan Day, Taylor Jackson, Mollie Stamper-Clark and Sophie Morrin – took part in a five-piece grading event for the first time at level 5.

Of the club’s contingent, six girls received a distinction and the others a commendation for their scores.

“They had been training for the event since September,” said coach Michelle Oakes.

“These are great results, and we’re really proud of them.

“We let them enjoy a well-earned play session at our gym afterwards, but now they’ve all started to prepare for their next competition in May.”