JUDGES for a prestigious award have said coaches at Gymfinity Gymnastics in Knutsford have made a difference to their community over the past 12 months.

The group were confirmed as Club of the Year at the 2016 Everybody Awards, which celebrate exceptional sporting achievement across Cheshire East, earlier this month.

“It was a lovely surprise,” said head coach Ruth Chapman.

“The whole team works so hard and puts in a lot of effort volunteering at competitions and events, so it’s great for that to be recognised.”

She started the club, based at Egerton Youth Club on Mereheath Lane, six years ago.

From humble beginnings, with a single red mat and two children, Gymfinity now counts more than 350 gymnasts as members.

They are trained each week by a team of more than 20 qualified coaches.

Chapman added: “We’ve had a very successful year, with our schools team winning national title and lots of gymnasts representing the county at regional level.”

Judges were asked to rate nominated clubs by the amount of weekly sessions they offer, how they have developed and also the impact they have on their surroundings.

A spokesman for awards organisers Everybody Sport and Recreation confirmed that Gymfinity scored highest in every category.