By Ben Hayward

OLYMPIC bronze medal winning gymnast Beth Tweddle MBE is bringing her ‘Gym Stars’ programme to Altrincham.

She hopes to inspire the next generation of youngsters into trying out her favourite sport.

The scheme allows children aged from two to seven to learn gymnastics skills and achieve stickers, certificates and badges along the way. It provides a great opportunity for youngsters to become active and engaged in a fun and rewarding programme.

Beth said: “My experience of Altrincham was limited to the ice rink when I was training for Dancing on Ice, so i’m looking forward to visiting for some of the classes.”

In 2009 Beth and fellow Olympian Steve Parry opened Total Gymnastics. Since then the company has been working with leisure providers and local schools to help youngsters understand the basic skills, whatever their ability.

“We want the kids to learn, of course, but with a smile on their faces! The fundamental skills are transferrable to other sports.

“As well as the health benefits and spatial awareness gymnastics also teaches kids listening skills and how to take instruction. It really does have wider benefits.”

Twenty-nine year-old Beth is the most successful British gymnast, male or female, in the history of the sport. She was the first female gymnast from Great Britain to win a medal at the European Championships, World Championships, and Olympic Games and was appointed MBE in the 2010 New Years Honours.

She first tried gymnastics, aged seven, and loved it straight away: “I was a hyperactive child, always upside down at home and getting into mischief. Gymnastics is a great outlet for that energy.”

The classes start at Total Fitness, Altrincham, on February 5 with both parent and child and children’s classes available.

“Gymnastics is for everyone, not just the elite.Our main focus is on fun. It’s a great opportunity for parents to exercise alongside their kids and to see them develop and improve.”

For more information or to book a place for your child visit www.totalgymnastics.co.uk or call 01619790611.