ESPRIT club’s Katie Francis tasted success at the National Grades team finals at Stoke-on-Trent.

Following the recent success of gymnasts from the Stratton-based club at the regional grades competition, the 11-year old made the trip to her first-ever major competition as part of the South West team.

Francis and her three team-mates made the trip to Fenton Manor, performing well to add to her team score.

Performing set routines on floor, vault, beam and A bars, Francis showed maturity beyond her years to not only help the South West team to a team gold medal, but individually clinch the highest scores of the day on both floor and vault.

Coaches Hannah Wickens and Kirsty Dalrymple, who travelled with Katy to the competition couldn’t speak highly enough of her outstanding efforts.

Hannah Wickens, who along with Kirsty Dalyrymple travelled with their pupil Francis, said: “This was Katie’s first major national competition and even though she was well prepared we hoped she could control her nerves in front of a large crowd, something she has never experienced before.

“I think both myself and Kirsty were more nervous than her, (but) she was exceptional.’’