GYMNASTS from Monarchs Acrobatics Gymnastics Club returned from Germany showered in medals following a hugely successful time at a three-day spectacular international competition.

Gymnasts from Russia, Scotland, Ireland, Italy and Denmark attended the competition in Mainz - but the Monarchs put Highbridge on the map with a remarkable return of 48 individual medals from 33 gymnasts.

Families travelled from far and wide to support the club - and gymnasts trained up to 12 hours a week in preparation for the competition.

The dedication of the coaches Tony Merrett, Mandy Warburton, Naomi Shepherd and Chloe Sadiq certainly paid off.

Sue Merrett, who oversees the club activity, said: “They are all brilliant as well as being so talented and were a lovely group of kids to take away.

“All of the gymnasts make us so proud, the support for each other was outstanding, with the chorus of the Monarch's cheers dominating the competition, as each gymnasts performed their spectacular routines, winning medal after medal.”

Emmy Dymond, Casey House and Sophie McGrath qualified for the finals on Sunday - qualifying within the top eight partnerships, after performing two beautiful routines.

The Women's Pairs Age group 8-16 proved to be very competitive with fifteen partnerships competing.

Hollie Grainger, Aaliyah Chan and Rosie Hodder, Grace Huggins both competed to a very high standard. Katie Hoskins and Ellie Petrie were awarded a Trophy for achieving the highest score in their category for their Balance routine scoring a fantastic score of 27.300.

Highbridge Monarchs would like to thank SDS South West Digital Systems Ltd who sponsored training t-shirts, which were printed locally at Jester Prints in Highbridge.