BETH Tweddle is on a mission this year to inspire children all over the North West to get involved in gymnastics and to see the real benefits that the sport has to offer.

The Olympic Medallist has now expanded her children’s gymnastics programme which will be taking place at Wellington School in Altrincham for children aged 4+.

Not only does gymnastics improve health, fitness and general wellbeing, it improves confidence, skill and self-esteem. Sport is about shaping children’s lives in a way that has a positive knock-on effect to everything else they apply themselves to.

You can read more about the benefits of gymnastics here

With the Gymnastics World Cup coming up, as well as the Commonwealth Games, 2018 is a year that is set to inspire more people than ever of all ages to engage in sport.

Children often start out shy and apprehensive of their ability when they begin gymnastics, and in no time at all, they are breaking down the barriers of their own self-belief and are flourishing.

This means that when they start school, or move onto high school, their confidence is on a high and they’ve already realised that by setting their mind on something and working hard for it, it brings achievements that are fulfilling and have a great impact on their character.

When we spoke to Beth, she said: "Sport teaches you more than just the sport itself. It teaches you so many different life skills that can be transferred across into everyday life. That can be team work, leadership, resilience, determination and social skills. Gymnastics taught me more than how to win a medal."

Total Gymnastics teaches children more than just sport – it teaches them how to set goals, work hard for something, and become resilient.

Just one review published on the Total Gymnastics Facebook page, “My daughter goes to Gym Stars at Heywood Sports Village. I can't thank the team enough for encouraging her determination and building her confidence. Beth Tweddle is her idol and it was watching the Olympics that engaged our daughter in gymnastics.

I like the idea that it is skill developing for all abilities, it's not competitive – even your in-house area championships are non-compulsory which I like. Madeleine actually participated in the championships which we never thought she would do, and she also got gymnast of the term for her 100% effort.

Total Gymnastics are running a free-to-attend gymnastics lesson on Tuesday 27th February at Wellington School for children aged 4+, and the lesson can be booked here

It's not easy for her and yet she has so much fun at the sessions because the instructors make this happen. The whole team from coaches to admin, really do take care of Madeleine. Even making sure to post her badge to us as we were on holiday for the last session of summer term as they knew how much it meant to her.

We will always be appreciative of the support you have given to our daughter and for that we thank you.”

All children deserve the opportunity to go beyond their own expectations and improve their confidence so Total Gymnastics hold classes all over the North West to ensure every child has access to gymnastics no matter where they are. Now running lessons at Wellington School, this will further to scope to offer more children the opportunity to engage in sport and gymnastics.