A NEW centre is set to pole vault its way into Weymouth's gymnastics scene with its grand opening this weekend.
Jurassic Gymnastics, in the Link Park industrial estate, is set to fling open its doors to the public for the first time - and with it an influx of jobs and opportunities.
Hundreds of children and parents were seen queuing outside the new gymnastics centre this week to sign up to the centre's gymnastic and trampolining classes for a range of ages and abilities - from toddlers all the way up to adults.
Jurassic Gymnastics, formally 360air, moved from the Redland Community Sports Hub, in Dorchester Road, after ceasing operation earlier this year.
Welfare officer and coach, Nadia Dailey said: "The community-based club has been running for 14 years.
"The club had been operating from the sports centre at Redlands.
"We wanted to expand and we didn't have exclusive use of the hall at the Redlands site.
"Now we have our own site we can offer so many more sessions than before."
The new site offers three large trampolines, a fitted sprung floor for tumbling and round-off practise, and space for beam and vault sessions.
Ms Dailey said all the coaches are trained in rebound therapy, which is a programme using trampolines to provide opportunities for enhanced movement patterns, therapeutic positioning, exercise and recreation for a wide range of users with additional needs.
"One of the main difficulties was finding a site with high ceilings," said Ms Dailey.
"The site is aimed at beginners and those at intimidate level. We also want to provide a platform for keen gymnasts who want to take part in competitions."
The site is run by owner Ruth Illingworth.
Ms Dailey said the site has already created six jobs with more expected.
She said: "We've already hired six full-time coaches, which are all trained and fully qualified in gymnastics, trampolining and rebound therapy.
"Once we've got our feet firmly on the ground, we'll look to hire two more full-time coaches - and there's volunteering opportunities, where successful applicants will be given training - which could lead to a full-time paid position."
Going forward, the staff at the new gymnastics site are looking for sponsors to help bring the site up to the next level.
"We're hoping with funding we can get more equipment," said Ms Dailey.
"I'm confident in saying we're the only site in Weymouth offering gymnastic sessions for all abilities."
The site will be open to members of the public to sign up on Saturday.
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