Young gymnast Rhyannon Jones adds another title

A Shropshire gymnast has added the British title to an increasing array of honours.

Wrekin College pupil Rhyannon Jones, 11, from Telford's Park-Wrekin club, won the British espoire championship in London at the weekend against strong challenges from gymnasts from Durham, Manchester and London.

She won the overall title by more than a mark and also finished third in the bars, beam and floor finals.

Clubmate Eshe Bernard also competed well in her first British championship while Elle Lavelle and Rebecca Williamson competed in the Espoire Challenge Cup and qualified for next year's British championship.

Espoire means hopeful and is the age group for gymnasts who will be 12 or 13 in this year.

Rhyannon's achievement is all the greater because she doesn't turn 12 until later this month.

The gymnast, who lives in Wellington and is coached by Christine Still at Lilleshall and Wrekin College, has had a particularly successful month.

In her first international competition, representing GB Juniors against Sweden, she took the individual bronze medal and helped the GB team to victory.

She has also been selected to represent Great Britain in a five way international in Germany later this month.

By ANN CLARKSON