GYMNASTS from Dorchester YMCA have enjoyed success at two competitions.

Both events saw the young competitors complete a floor routine and a vault.

The first competition, held at the Gymstars Academy in Wimborne, saw 27 of the Sawmills Lane-based club's gymnasts compete, with the first round seeing seven of the club's girls participate.

With the girls in tough groups, coaches were delighted to see two of them win a gold and silver in their respective classes.

Although there were no medals in the second round there were excellent performances from the five competing girls, including a second and third on the floor for two of the YMCA gymnasts.

Round three witnessed three more gymnasts take to the floor, including the first of the two boys to represent the club.

Not only was he the first boy to compete but he was also the first to win a medal, claiming silver. There was another silver in round three, as well as a top six placing for the girls.

Round four saw four girls compete in two large, difficult groups and perform brilliantly, with some of the gymnasts recording top six placings.

The fifth and final round of the day saw eight gymnasts compete and end the day’s medal tally with two more silver and bronze medals.

There was no rest for the coaches at the county town club though, as just two weeks later they travelled to Poole where another batch of gymnasts competed on the floor and vault.

The first round of the contest saw three of the club's artistic girls competing.

Despite strong performances, none of the girls were able to take home a medal.

The second round included another three YMCA gymnasts, this time representatives of the artistic boys.

The boys did their coaches proud by taking home two golds and a silver medal in their respective groups.

Round three saw more Dorchester success as another two of the boys took home gold and silver medals plus a bronze for another of the artistic girls' squad.

There was also a fantastic first place on vault for another member of the YMCA team.

With no gymnasts in the fourth round the coaches, led by head coach Chelsi Membury, took a short break before coming back for the final round where two of the senior artistic girls were performing.

To round off the final day the team added one more gold to their collection.

Of the club’s success, one member of the YMCA coaching team said: “The gymnasts have done us proud.

“Our artistic gymnasts don’t get the opportunity to train the same number of hours as some of the gymnasts they compete against but they always shine and that’s shown in the number of medals they have won. We’re really proud of them all.”

Head coach Chelsi Membury also praised the YMCA’s young gymnasts and also thanked her coaching team.

She said: “Thank you to Barbara, Sam, Jean, Amie and Holly for all their help at the last two competitions.”