David, nine and from Davenham, was training for five days a week at the Hartford School of Gymnastics in the build-up to a qualifier at Southport recently.

He finished eighth in the event to earn a place in the North West provisional Level Four squad.

He scored 51.5 points from a maximum of 70 for his seven disciplines.

Charlie Oakes, one of David's coaches, said: "He is the first gymnast from the club to be selected for the region. We were all very pleased with him."

He added: "He has worked really hard in the last six weeks and come on brilliantly. He deserved his success."

David can now look forward to a second selection event on October 27.

The squad of eight will then be whittled down to a team of five nine-year-olds who will compete for the North West in the National Championships at Lilleshall on November 1 in the Level Four category.

"He was a little way off the top five at Southport, but if he continues to improve at the same rate he has a good chance," added Charlie.

David will perform various disciplines, including the bars, vault and rings in his bid to qualify.

Last year the North West won the Level Two team event as well as the overall title.

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