Falcon Spartak Gymnastics Club is enjoying an exciting period with news of a trip abroad, improved faiclities at its base, and great results by members in a recent competition.

Club spokesperson Lisa Pullen said: "In July, 11 members of the club will be travelling to Lisbon, Portugal, to take part in the 12th World Gymnaestrada, which is the biggest festival of gymnastics to be held and has competitors from all over the world.

"We will also be moving into a new facility at Hurstmere School, in Sidcup, in the next few months after working for 30 years in the present school gym.

"Anyone interested in taking part in artistic or rhythmic gymnastics, mainstream, or for those with special needs are welcome to contact us. Just come along and have a look and decide if you would like to join.

"Over the last 30 years, the club has produce three captains for Great Britian men's teams, many champions at national mainstream grade competitions and also many champions in the field of Gymnastics and Movement for People with Disability.

"The club caters for those who want to workout just for fun and for those that would wish to take part in competitions and our members are drawn from a very wide catchment area."

Lisa added: "A new competition was held in Milton Keynes and included combined trampolining, rhythmic gymnastics and men's and women's artistic gymnastics.

"The aim of the competition was to provide a venue for 120 disabled young people from all over the United Kingdom to compete in a friendly arena.

"Fifteen of our gymnasts took part, some entering their very first competitions and returned with lots of medals."

Gold medal winners: Elizabeth Howard; Michael Hill (two); Alan Mear; Steven Petrie; Emma Dudley; Hannah Westerman; Samantha Mercer and Rowena Francis (two).

Silvers: Elizabeth Howard; Michelle Hon (two); Alan Mear; Annie Parsons; Steven Petrie; Emma Dudley and Hannah Westerman.

Bronzes: Christopher Francis; Samantha Mercer and Ricky Holt (two); Joshua Bridger, while Adam Biggs and Hayley Etheridge received runners-up medals.

Lisa added: "This young group proved just how valuable gymnastics training can be in helping them to make personal achievements, growing in self confidence and learning to be part of a team.

"It looks as if Falcon Spartak is now following on with a further group of strong, young gymnasts who will achieve much in the next few years."

* If you would like more details of Falcon Spartak Gymnastics Club, call Lisa Pullen on 01689 874241.