OLYMPIC gymnast Beth Tweddle watched budding young sports stars show their skills at a competition featuring more than 100 pupils.

Pupils from 20 primary schools in St Helens took part in the competition held at the gymnastics centre on Wharton Street off Sherdley Road as part of the Sainsbury’s School Games.

Organised by the St Helens Centre for Gymnastics together with the council’s sports development team the aim was to provide an opportunity for children who may be new to the sport or have limited access to equipment.

Throughout the year the children had received coaching sessions before, during and after school.

At the end of the competition each student was presented with a certificate signed by the Olympic bronze medallist and triple world champion.

Rainford Brook Lodge were crowned champions and Oakdene were runners up.

Andy Bowden the council’s cabinet member for health and wellbeing said: “It was pleasing to see so many children getting involved and showing passion and enthusiasm for a sport that they are fairly new to.

“Beth Tweddle is a tremendous role model for any young gymnast and a fine ambassador for the sport. Having her there to encourage and inspire the children was fantastic and we can’t thank her enough for her time.”