BRADFORD district gymnasts Keira Thornton and Rhianna Oldfield were part of the Yorkshire team who were crowned Bill McLoughlin national team champions.

It is the first time the county have taken home the trophy since the competition in honour of the renowned Great Britain coach first began.

It was a special moment for the squad as Bill’s family have always been involved in the sport with links to Yorkshire.

The team consisted of four members, all from Pudsey-based Gymmagic Gymnastics Club, with Thornton and Oldfield joined by Megan Bridge and Megan Bramley.

Bridge also took home an amazing personal win as vault champion with a score of 14.3.

As well as this victory, she placed second on beam and second overall in a highly competitive national field.

A team spokesperson said: “It was such an amazing day and a fantastic experience to be part of the team.

"To be given the chance to represent the whole of Yorkshire was brilliant for us all. We couldn’t believe it when we were announced as the champions.

"There was a fully positive atmosphere throughout the competitions from the team which made it enjoyable and definitely a day to remember for the rest of our lives.”

Squad director Sharon Gott said: “We are hugely proud of all of our Yorkshire gymnasts and would like to give a special mention to the coaches and clubs they are involved in for all of their hard work.”

The Yorkshire gymnastics team will be looking to continue to work hard and carry their success into future competitions.