THE annual West Somerset School Gymnastic Competition for key stage one and two pupils, organised by sports and fitness organisation Number 1 West Somerset, was again hosted by Minehead First School.

This year saw a new record of 10 schools entered in both categories, which had teams of six children competing in both key stages.

The competition involved a floor routine with a number of gymnastic moves linked together and then either a springboard or bench routine for the younger children and a trestle or vault routine for the older pupils.

A total of about 120 children took part in the two events and had the opportunity to compete.

Suzanne Richards, from Number 1 West Somerset, who organised the events, said: “To have 10 schools entered was a record for us.

“There was an amazing atmosphere of excitement in the room at both of the events and the children worked so hard.

“You could see from their faces they were very proud and happy to be representing their school in this event.

“Gymnastic competitions are very different from other competitive sports and although you enter as a team you do perform your routines individually.

“It is fantastic for confidence, self-esteem, as well as learning and remembering your routine and socially mixing with a number of children from other schools.

“We are very grateful to Minehead First School for allowing us to use their hall and also to all the teachers, support staff, supply staff, minibus drivers transporting and organising children and making this event happen.

“Lastly, a big thank you to the Number 1 team, there is no charge to enter the event and Number 1 provides the staff, certificates, medals, planning, and routines, so thank you to all the team, who all work tirelessly behind the scenes to bring this event together and it would not happen without them.”

Ms Richards set up Number 1 West Somerset after working in the health and fitness industry for more than 10 years across the district and then deciding she wanted to set out on her own.

She said “I want to help people of all ages to look after their mind, body, and heart.

“You only have one, and you need to look after them.”

Number 1 West Somerset recently received nearly £1,500 from the Co-operative supermarket company after members selected it as a chosen good cause last year.

Ms Richards said the money would be put toward projects for the spring of next year, including taking her pre-school gymnastics sessions out into West Somerset.

Gymnastic competition results

KS1 Team - 1 Crowcombe and Stogumber First School; 2 Dunster CoE School; 3 St Michael’s CofE School.

KS1 Individual - 1 Crowcombe and Stogumber First School; 2 Crowcombe and Stogumber First School; 3 Dunster CoE School.

KS2 Team - 1 Dunster CoE School; 2 Crowcombe and Stogumber First School; 3 St Michael’s CoE School.

KS2 Individual -1 Dunster CoE School; 2 St Michael’s CoE School; 3 Crowcombe and Stogumber First School.