A MAMMOTH entry of 188 children from nine primary schools entered this year’s Forest of Dean Primary Schools Championships, with St Anthony’s School in Cinderford the champions.

Held at the Gymnastics Centre at Five Acres, the competition was held in four rounds. Gymnasts entered one of four levels with their scores contributing to a school team score.

Coached by Elaine Hillary, the school has entered the competition every year since it started in 2001 with great success, having won in 2002 and 2003 and finished runners up ion 2006.

They were presented with the Forest of Dean Shield by Bernard Rogers, president of the Royal Forest of Dean Rotary Club, who have supported gymnastics in the Forest for several years.

“I am so proud of the students,” said Mrs Hillary.

“They all did so well. The effort and determination paid off and shows how much hard work they all put in.”

Ellwood Primary School were runners up with Mitcheldean Endowed Primary came in third place.

All competing gymnasts received a certificate the top three winners received medals. Individual trophies were awarded to the highest scoring gymnasts across the day from each level.

The Brace family, who represented Ellwood School, took home a trio of medals with 5-year-old Blake-Lea winning silver at level one. Keelan won gold at level two and Karis picked up a silver medal at level two.

The level four competitions were keenly contested and showed a high level of skill with tumbling and somersaults from all competitors. This level is for children who attend local gymnastic clubs.

Between rounds the gymnasts were treated to displays of floor routines by Forest of Dean Gymnastics Club Squad members Grace Treharne and Lily Brain.

A raffle was held to raise funds towards a new floor area for the gymnastics centre which is 20 years old in June.

Trophy winners were as follows:

Isobel Moger (St Anthony’s), Level One Girl; Alfie Chandler (Ellwood), Level 1 Boy; Daisy Lou Fouweather (Ellwood), Level 2 Girl; Keelan Brace (Ellwood), Level 2 Boy; Eloise Smith (Coalway), Level 3 Girl; James Hadfield (St. Anthony’s), Level 3 Boy; Isobelle Arnott (St. Anthony’s), Level 4 Girl; Sam Perkins (Soudley) & Finlay Smith (Coalway), Level 4 Boy.