GYMNASTS who train in Knutsford will test themselves against talented rivals from across the country.

Emma Routs and Maggie Thompson are part of the North West’s team for this weekend’s women’s artistic national development plan competition in Stoke on Trent.

The duo, both members at Gymfinity Gymnastics Club, scored highest in their respective categories during a regional qualifier last month.

“It’s an amazing achievement,” said head coach Ruth Chapman.

“The girls train hard every week to be ready, and their reward is to compete against the best gymnasts in the UK in their age group.”

Maggie, aged 10, will take part in the grade four contest.

Emma, who is also 10, competes at grade three.

Their clubmate, Elsa Jackson, classified sixth overall at grade four in the North West finals.

Gymfinity sent 14 gymnasts to the Cheshire and Merseyside Club Grades in Liverpool, where they 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 strength and flexibility.

Maya Ashcroft, 12, finished as runner-up at level two, but improved to finish first in class at the regional finals in Robin Park Sports Centre in Wigan.

Grace Erith is county champion at level six, while clubmate Evie McDonald ranked second behind her.

They were second and third respectively at the regional finals.

Jasmine Wilson took second spot at level five in the county competition.

Other Gymfinity members at the Cheshire and Merseyside event passed with distinction.

Meanwhile this weekend’s national development plan competition takes place at Fenton Manor Sports Complex.

Maggie and Emma will both be in action on Saturday, with the opening round at level four scheduled to start at 8.40am.

Chapman said: “All of our girls go to school in Knutsford, or at least nearby, and work on their skills for at least nine hours every week.

“It’s a thrill to see them transfer that into competitions.”

For further details about the club, visit gymfinitygymnastics.co.uk

Alternatively, call Ruth Chapman on 07545 186281.