MORE than 50 gymnasts showed off their tumbling, vaulting and trampette skills at West Dorset Gymnastic Club's Key Steps annual gala at Wey Valley Sports College.

Proud parents and friends were wowed by the some of the performances on show, which was based around the English Gymnastics Key Steps programme that focuses on body management and sound basic floor and vaulting skills before moving on to the next level.

The show is part of a trio of club events encouraging participation by every member, alongside the First-Steps gala for the under-sixes and the Free-Range four-piece competition for artistic competitors, both held later in the year.

Organiser Sharon Morgan was pleased with the participation and support for the event. She said: "This year everyone was involved, young gymnasts for the first time, older gymnasts competing and helping with the younger ones, runners, family members helping out with scoring, clothing sales, floor management, and overall it was just a great family day out.

"We tried a new format, which called on judges to be quick, versatile and accurate, but allowed our very young beginner gymnasts to work alongside our regional and national level competitors.

"One of our greatest assets is our seniors, who set a high standard within the club. Younger members love watching them and it is the best way to give them an idea of what they can achieve."

All the gymnasts first took to the vault, then the trampette before finally moving on to the floor. Key Steps, Novice and Junior competitors worked in pairs and received extra marks for mirroring and matching, while Senior and Key Step Three girls impressed the crowd with their artistry, elegance and tumbling skills in individual routines.

The event ran to time and before the presentations, the crowd was treated to three large group displays to music, highlighting body management.

Achievers gaining British Gymnastics qualifications this year: Lily Holder, Shannon Ryan (Helpers Award), Nikki Adams, Chelsi House, Tasha Lund, Tessa Hibberd (Level 1 Judging), Hannah Nicolson (Level 1 Coaching).

Achievers in competition: Briony Bonnett, Lauren Benbow (move into Phase II at County level), Megan Parker (Highly Commended NDP Gr 6), Rosie Brook, Molly McNern, Ava Simmons (Distinction NDP Gr 6), Tessa Hibberd, Hannah Nicolson (NDP Gr 1), Tasha Lund (Women's open-age County Champion NDP National level 1). Ava & Sam Simmons (awarded full gymnastics scholarships to Port Regis School).

Most Improved Awards: Bradley Taylor, Brooke Horsecroft-Williams, Sam Chaloner, Jacob Ashmore, Jessie Hennessey, Beatrix Knight, Holly Toman, Charlie Roberts, Franki Glynn, Sophie Wallis, Emma Adams, Rosie Brook, Molly Brown, Megan Parker, Lauren Benbow, Merryn Harvey.

Medals, Step 1 Gr 1: 1 Bradley Taylor, 2 Sam Ashmore, 3 Ollie Fellows.

Step 1 Gr 2: 1 Jodie Stone, 2 Sophie Ridyard, 3 Amelia Axford.

Step 2 Gr 4: 1 Sam Chaloner, 2 Jake Ashmore.

Step 3 Gr 1: 1 Sam Simmons, 2 Charlie Roberts.

Step 2 Gr 1: 1 Emma Adams, 2 Olivia Taylor, 3 Orla Adams.

Step 2 Gr 2: 1 Beatrix Knight, 2 Maddy Tibble, 3 Annalise Dive.

Step 2 Gr 3: 1 Shannon Ryan, 2 Jessie Hennessey.

Step 3 Gr 3: 1 Franki Glynn, 2 Victoria Halford, 3 Lily Holder.

Novices: 1 Molly McNern, 2 Rosie Brook.

Juniors: 1 Ava Simmons, 2 Megan Parker, 3 Lucy Walbridge.

Seniors: 1 Hannah Nicolson, 2 Tessa Hibberd, 3 Tasha Lund.

* To find more about West Dorset Gymnastics Club, including adult sessions or the SummerSaults holiday gymnastics programme, contact Sharon Morgan at sharon@westdorsetgymnastics.org.uk or on 07855548404.