A HALTON gym club is gearing up for next year's Special Olympics - thanks to the World.

North Cheshire Brookfield Gym Club was awarded a £5,000 grant from the Gannett Foundation - the charitable arm of the World's parent company Gannett.

Secretary Julie Shard, said: "This grant means that more than two dozen children will be able to take part in next year's Olympics. It's fantastic."

Halton athletes preapred for next year's event with amazing performances in the British championships last week.

The club competed against 100 athletes from across the country to win national titles.

Marie Wilson, 23, regained her title as overall British Champion.

Lisa Littlemore, 24, finished just behind Marie with a silver medal.

Casey Lee Shard came second in the A-bars and got third place in both the floor events.

Kemlyn Shard, 13, again became British champion despite stepping up to the 13 to 16-age range.

Mrs Shard said: "We didn't expect him to win anything because of the age difference, it was a quite a surprise."

Phillip Morris, 27, managed third in the parallel bars despite a fear of heights that meant he had never dismounted on his own before. Michael Johnson, 25, achieved third place in the vaulting.

The championships were held in Newton Aycliffe in County Durham.

Julie said: "The team did absolutely fantastic. They all did the best they could.

"They were really behind each other and so were the parents who came along."

The athletes train at Kingsway Leisure Centre in Widnes.

Julie said: "It's not just something for people to do, the members are training gymnasts and they are very talented." To find out more, contact Julie on 01928-751170.