ARTISTIC gymnasts who train at Planet Gymnastics in Grangetown, Cardiff, did their club proud at the recent Artistic Gymnastics Grading Competitions held in Llanelli.

The girls come from across the area to train at Planet for up to 14.5 hours each week.

The girls who competed from Planet are Erin Healy and Millie Ryan from Penarth; Darcy Dixon, Olivia Dawkins, Seren Kupa and Niamh Kupa from Dinas Powys; Jaymie Rose and Ella Payne from Cardiff; Siena Salter from Pontypridd and Ariana Barnard from Bridgend.

Gymnasts who take part in the elite gradings competition, which only happen once each year, must demonstrate a very high level of skill and commitment, showing their ability in all four pieces of apparatus – floor, beam, bars and vault, as well as in a challenging routine to show off range and conditioning.

The girls’ coaches, were all incredibly proud of them.

Holly Broad, who coaches the youngest group, said: “Their dedication has been superb. The girls really worked as hard as they possibly could, and were rewarded with excellent results.”

Ceri Barnard, parent to one of the successful gymnasts said: “The girls were absolutely incredible – a credit to all parents and coaches.

"Thank you to all of the coaches for helping my daughter achieve a distinction in her grade - she could not have done it without you.”

Becky Morgan, director of Planet Gymnastics, where the girls train said: “We are so pleased to see the development of these young gymnasts.

"Most of them started out in our regular recreational gym classes, and have shown an incredible amount of dedication and grit to get to this standard.

"We are also very proud of our coaches, many of whom are volunteers, and who all put in a vast amount of time and effort working with the girls.”

Planet Gymnastics offers coaching in artistic and rhythmic gymnastics and dance for people of all ages and abilities.

For further information about classes, please ring 029 2034 3585.