RACHEL Stephenson, 15, became the new Wiltshire Open'Champion at Level 3 in Melksham last weekend.

Rachel produced stunning performances on beam and floor with strong tumbling and dance on both pieces followed by a strong Tsukahara vault and full bar routine.

Rachel, who is trained by Lynn Hammersley at the Forest of Dean Gymnastics Club at Five Acres, determinedly set out to do well and said she was delighted to win such a prestigious competition against a large field of 30 competitors. She also took first place on both beam and floor and third place on vault.

Not far behind was club mate Lowri Scrivens who came 8th overall. Lowri was presented with awards for a 5th place on beam and 6th on floor. Both girls were complimented on their excellent performances.

The Gymnastics Club had gymnasts out at nearly every level and the competition was extra strong this year with clubs entering from Yorkshire, Southampton, London, Essex and across Wales. The groups ranged from 30 to 54 competitors and gymnasts did well if they achieved a top 10 place in such a strong field.

The Forest girls all made personal achievements. At the start of the long weekend eight-year-olds Phoebe Huxstep and Sky Ballantyne came 11th and 24th respectively in the level five with Phoebe's top placings seventh on floor and ninth on bars and Sky 12th on bars.

In the 'In age' level 4 Anna Courtney took ninth place on vault and Sophie Simpkins received an award for 4th on floor. Both girls were competing in their first major voluntary competition.

In the' Out of Age' Level 4 Beth Tudball also did well taking seventh place on beam out of a group of 45.