IN what was their first competition in almost two years, there were medals and distinctions galore for Cheshire Gymnastics Club members.

Seven youngsters represented the club at the Preston Milano Invitational, which saw gymnasts put through their paces across four pieces of apparatus – bars, beam, floor and vault.

Having battled through the nerves of a return to competition, all seven performed solidly for the Moss Farm-based club.

"I am so proud of all of my gymnasts," coach Alisha Evanson said.

"It has been such a valuable experience for everybody involved and we are looking forward to attending the Women’s Artistic North West Grades at the end of October."

Meanwhile, the club will now host a number of regional competitions for the remainder of 2021.

This is due to the existing venue in Wigan currently being used as a Covid-19 vaccination centre.

"We are really proud to invite the whole region to our amazing High Performance Centre this autumn," Cheshire Gymnastics head coach Mark Hudson said.

"We are pleased we can support these events – it is essential for all gymnasts, who have been training hard since April, to have the opportunity to compete."