ALTRINCHAM schoolgirl Amelie Menger has been selected to compete in the French Gymnastics Championships which will be held in Belfort in January.

Amelie, 11, who is originally from France, won a regional competition in rhythmic gymnastics in her Under-12s age group in November. This allowed her to compete in the next stage which regrouped all the best gymnasts from the West of France in December. She went on to win her free routine out of 23 participants, and finished 5th overall in the competition. On the basis of these successes the French Gymnastic Federation have selected Amelie to participate in the national event.

Amelie attends Manchester High School for Girls has been doing gymnastics for the past four years. She belongs to Stockport Rhythmic Gymnastics Club where she trains 13 hours a week.

Amelie said: ā€œI really enjoy the sport, especially the ball and hoop apparatus, and I also like the free routines. I would eventually love to compete in the World Championships. Iā€™m looking forward to the French Championships next year as I will be competing against the best gymnasts in France. I hope to learn some new moves for the competition.ā€