AIREBOROUGH Gymnastic Club at Rawdon ended its 25th anniversary celebrations by spending £10,000 on a sprung floor area for its gymnasts.

The competition standard matted floor area is proving invaluable to the 135 gymnasts who train at the club every week.

Already, the 30 squad gymnasts, aged between six and 18, are perfecting backflips and somersaults, and are looking forward to showing them off in a competition next month.

The floor has been bought using the club's savings and without any grant support.

Head coach Joanne Deane thanked staff at Benton Park School who had allowed the floor area to be set up there as a permanent fixture, and the club's fundraising team.

She added: "I think the club must be the only privately run gymnastic club in the district to be able to offer such facilities. As well as the 10x10m floor, we have space to set up A-bars, two beams and a vault.

"The new sprung floor reduces the risk of knee and ankle injuries when our gymnasts are learning more complex tumbles and the softer landing gives them the confidence to try new moves.

"It is also available for the school pupils to use during the day for aerobics, circuit training, gymnastics and dance."

The club will be showing off the benefits of the new floor when it hosts a display on April 5 and 6. All the gymnasts will be involved.

The display will be used to raise money for a new set of bars, which will be the club's next big purchase.

To find out more about the club ring Joanne on 07930 160996.