CHILDREN from a Test Valley school recently showed off their skills when they took part in a national gymnastics competition.

Pupils from Wellow Primary School claimed the bronze title when they took part in the finals of the National Sports Acro Competition in Stoke on Trent.

Jake Palmer and Thomas Gilson wowed the judges with their combined acro gymnastics routine on the floor as well as their individual skills.

The school’s mixed pair – Jake and Fenella Thompson – narrowly missed out on the bronze title, ending in fourth by 0.15 of a point.

Carrie Batchelor, gymnastics teacher, said how pleased she was to see the duo take home the medal.

“It’s the third year that they have qualified for the national finals. It’s a huge achievement and it’s the first year that they’ve got a medal.

“Fenella and Jake’s performance was the best for several years. They were only off a bronze by a little tiny step or by not landing correctly. It’s a huge achievement to end up in the top five.”

The trio were put forward after their success in the Southern Regional Sports Acro Competition where they had to fend off competition from schools in Hampshire, Buckinghamshire and Berkshire.

In that competition Jake, 11, and Thomas, 10, won the boys’ pairs while Jake and Fenella, 11, won the mixed pair.

Fifteen gymnasts from the school’s advanced gym club represented the school in various categories: girls’ pairs, boy’s pairs, mixed pairs and groups.

Carried said: “Having never competed in a competition of this standard, Amelia Essex, Lucy Bethel, Milly Mills, Sienna Somers, Hannah Saunders, Carrie Foulkes marched on the floor like professional gymnasts.

“Every balance in their Charleston routine was held beautifully and we were delighted they finished in sixth place – a huge achievement.

“The more experienced group of Maddie Annells, Emilie Roberts, Katie Glasspoole, Sienna James, Jake Palmer and Fenella Thompson demonstrated their excellent gymnast ability and teamwork by dancing their way into a very well deserved 2nd place.”

Carrie added: “This was the first gymnastics competition for several of the gymnasts and we were delighted with all performances.

“The children come into the school at weekends to practice that put in extra time to practice what they’ve worked on.

“I’m absolutely delighted with their performance, the whole school are delighted.”