BURNHAM Gymnastics Club is celebrating after six of its members have been selected to represent England at the World Championships this summer.

The sextet qualified through some tough national competition last year to become leading gymnasts in their respective age groups.

Layla Coffey (aged 13), Chantelle Canty (12), Paris Hancock and Laura Perring (11) and Phippa Mannings and Jenna Smith (9) will compete at the Hyatt Regency Grand Cypress Hotel in Orlando, Florida on June 23 – July 5.

However, with costs expected to exceed £2,000 per child, the club needs all the help it can get and the gymnasts are now on a massive fundraising mission to help realise their dreams.

They have planned a variety of activities including putting on shows at local businesses and master classes with coach Will O’Neil, who will also be attending the championships.

The club has confirmed performances at Sainsburys, Taplow on March 22 and April 1, and has ideas for sponsored triathlons and back-flips.

Chantelle Canty joined the club aged six after being spotted as a talent by director Sarah Fiander at St. Anthony’s Primary School in Slough.

Other original members include Laura Perring and Jenna Smith, and they are all preparing for their first national competition of the year at Milton Keynes on March 23.

Burnham Gym Club was established in 2008 at Burnham Park Academy – formally known as Burnham Upper School. Bit by bit, the club has bought apparatus so that its 250 members, aged four to 16 years, can train on proper equipment.

Fiander said: “These girls have trained since they were little and the world championships are dreams come true for them. When they were selected some broke down in tears of joy.

“We are appealing for local businesses or anyone that can help us. The club is incredibly grateful for anything the girls receive to realise their dreams.” If you can help fund the gymnasts’ world championship dream please contact Burnham Gymnastics Club on 07813 004820 or e-mail burnhamgymnastics@hotmail.co.uk.

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