GYMNASTS have been swinging, spinning and jumping to represent London at the National Regional Finals next month.

Eleven boys from Blackfen Gymnastic Club won a place at the finals by beating gymnasts from other London-based clubs at the National Development Programme and Men's Elite Grade competition.

The boys took on the high-bar, pommel, rings, floor, vault and parallel bars and had to finish in the top six of their allotted age and ability categories to be selected for the finals.

Alex Trueman, taking silver, Daniel Appleby and George Thomas will be going to the finals in Newcastle next month in the age-8 primary four group.

In the age-9 primary three group, Connor Collins took bronze and in age-11 primary one, Lewis Sewell took fifth meaning the pair are also in the finals.

The club, based at Blackfen Girls School, Blackfen Lane, was also celebrating as Jake Ruggins and Daniel West also went through.

Jake took bronze in the age-12 intermediate two group while Daniel was the star of the show taking gold in the primary three under-10 elite group.

Fellow gymnasts L'Marr French, Anthony Coburn, Christopher Burton and Ben Hoey will also be going to Newcastle in the out-of-age' category.

The four are still learning the ropes and will compete in a separate competition from the others.

Blackfen coaches Daniel Baldwin, Bradley Barrett, Nigel Ducasse and Katie Barrett are the team behind the boys' success.

Katie said "I am very proud of all the boys as they have worked hard. It is a great achievement for the club."

Any boys and girls interested in joining Blackfen Gymnastic Club can call Katie or Elaine Barrett on 020 8309 7506.