Olympic bronze medallist and triple world gymnastics champion, Beth Tweddle, is sending the elevator back down with the launch of a gymnastics programme for young children.

Gym Stars is being delivered through Total Gymnastics, an organisation Tweddle formed with fellow Olympic bronze medallist, Steve Parry, in 2009. It develops gymnastic academies around the country, in partnership with schools and leisure providers. Currently 650 two to 11-year-olds are on the academy programme.

Tweddle says that she wants to give every child the change to try gymnastics at a recreational level. Gym Stars is aimed at two to eight-year-olds to develop basic gymnastic skills, which are transferable to other sports and activities.

The programme also nurtures gymnastic ability, providing opportunities for the development of young sporting talent, with pathways into local gymnastics clubs.

SLM Everyone Active, David Lloyd Leisure, Tempus Leisure and Sportspace have currently signed up to the programme.

South East regional director for Everyone Active, Duncan Jefford, says there is a huge demand for this type of programme and says it is now on offer at 13 of its centres. “The programme teaches kids crucial skills that will stand them in good stead for other sports and leading a healthy, active lifestyle. Hopefully we can help find some future gymnastics champions as well,” he says.