THORNTON has unearthed a gymnastics prodigy in young Patrick Watkinson, who has been selected for the Elite Performance Squad by British Gymnastics.

The 10-year-old earned his place along with six other young British talents at the national Elite Grades, held in Birmingham.

Patrick came sixth overall but finished second in both the rings and floor disciplines.

“His favourite discipline is the pommel but I love watching him on the rings, he’s just amazing on them,” said Patrick’s mum, Joanne.

The starlet, who has been a gymnast since he was three, trains at Diamonds Gymnastics Club in Halifax, and is the first male gymnast to reach this level from the club.

Erin McLachlan also went on to become a professional gymnast from Diamonds, and now represents Scotland.

Pudsey's Team GB star Nile Wilson, who won both individual and team medals at the 2014 Commonwealth Games in Glasgow, is one of Patrick’s inspirations and his favourite gymnast.

Selection for the squad means that Patrick will now train at the national institute at Lilleshall, working with top coaches who have trained Olympic athletes.

Andrew Butcher, Patrick’s coach at Diamonds, said: “Patrick is delighted with the news. It has taken time, commitment and hard work from all involved.

"It is also a great achievement for Diamonds to have members in the British Squad, especially now that the level of gymnastics in Great Britain is so high.”