MORE than 150 young gymnasts from across the North-west will converge on Withins Leisure Centre on Saturday for a top regional competition.

The event will be the first time the centre has held a large gymnastics event and the competition will feature the region's best teams from as far afield as the Isle of Man.

Cllr Gerald RiIey, chairman of Bolton's leisure services committee, said: "We are very pleased to be holding an event of this calibre for the young gymnasts of the region. Who knows we may see one of the future stars of the sport performing on Saturday."

The standard of competition in Saturday's event, which starts at 8.30am and runs until 4.30pm, will range from recreational novice to intermediate.

A group of 26 boys and girls from Withins Gymnastics will be amongst those representing Bolton. They said they are hope to repeat their successful performance at a recent contest in Horwich.

Cllr Riley added: "Competitions like this are important because it gives the future stars of British sports a chance to shine.

"But the competition is not just about the advanced levels. It is critical that children of all abilities have the opportunity to compete against each other and get the chance to show people what they can achieve."

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