TALENTED disabled gymnasts from Halton have been selected to represent Britain in several major championships.

Rhythmic gymnast Philippa Sloane, 28, will be flying to North Carolina in America to compete in the World Games next June.

Kevin Brown, 22, and Marie Wilson, 18, will be joining the British squad as members of the disabled display team in Gottenburg in Sweden in July.

Their coach, Margaret Meachin, who will be travelling with them, started the gym club at Brookfields special school nine years ago.

Since then, North Cheshire 'Brookfields' gym club has come on in leaps and bounds.

Gymnasts from Widnes and Runcorn now train at Kingsway leisure centre.

Margaret is now trying to raise thousands of pounds to pay for the fares and accommodation for the trips and the training sessions now being held all over the country.

"We finance all the gymnasts, coaches and escorts," said Margaret. "We pay for their hotel, travel and any other expenses they have to meet."

Big-hearted taxi drivers from Widnes Taxis are staging a grand charity night to help raise funds for the gym club.

Starring the Ivy League, with a support band and disco, the show is being held on Tuesday, October 10 at the British Legion club in Hale Road.

"We have been asking all the pubs, clubs and shops for donations," said organiser taxi driver Roger Goulden. "We have had a brilliant response.

"What we need now is a star prize."

Anyone wishing to donate a prize for the charity show or buy a ticket for £4, is asked to ring 424-0888 or 420-5198.

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