VALE gymnasts who train at Planet Gymnastics in Grangetown brought their first year of competition to an incredibly successful close at last week's Star Cup at the Welsh Rhythmic Gymnastics centre at Trade Street, Cardiff by winning a huge number of medals, and showing that they have learned a huge amount in their first year.

Planet's rhythmic gymnastics section was started just 18 months ago, and the girls have been competing for under a year, but they are showing that they have learned a lot, and gained a huge amount from the experience.

The girls competed in several events during the competition, with some of the gymnasts competing in four different disciplines, many in events above their own age group.

The gymnasts did particularly well in the group events, with Lacie Robinson-Goddard, from Barry, being part of the third placed Under-8s Free Group; Emilia Allsopp, Mairwen Thomas and Eryn Griffiths, all from Penarth, and Phoebie Johnson, from Barry, being part of the first placed Under-10 Free Group; Erin Goddard, from Barry, being part of the first placed Under-12s Free Group and Mairwen Thomas, Eryn Griffiths and Sophie Strong, from Llandough, being part of the second placed Under-12s Hoop Group event.

Individual honours went to gymnasts from the Vale as well, with Lacie Robinson-Goddard, Barry, winning second place in the Under-6 Free event, and second in the Under-7 Hoop event. Mairwen Thomas, Penarth, won first place in the Under-9s Hoop event and second place in the Under-9s Free event.

Phoebie Johnson, Barry, won second place in the Under-8 Hoop event, and third place in the Under-8 Free event.

Erin Goddard, Barry, won first in the Under-11 Ball event and second in the Under-11 Free event and Sophie Strong, Llandough, taking second in the Under-12s Hoop event and first in the Under-12s Free event.

Eryn Griffiths also competed, but in the level three event, for gymnasts training at a much higher level, and did extremely well to place second in the Under-11 Ball event and third in the Under-11 Free event.

All the girls have worked very hard this year, and are looking forward to learning new skills in the New Year.

Coach Emma Thompson of Dinas Powys said: "For many of these girls, this was their first competition, and they acquitted themselves very well. We are already working on new routines and ideas for next year."

Becky Johnson, director of the gym said: "Our rhythmic section is the fastest growing section at the moment. Frankie Jones' success in the Commonwealth Games in 2014 has given great impetus to the discipline of Rhythmic Gymnastics, and we are very proud of how well all the girls did.

"Anybody wishing to start rhythmic gymnastics is welcome, and should phone the gym on 029 2034 3585 for more information."