GYMNASTICS: Swindon Gymnastic and Trampoline Academy Esprit has launched an X-factor style search for potential Olympians to represent the town at the 2012 London Olympics.

Esprit spokesperson Mark Hows said: "Esprit has already been incredibly successful since it opened in 2004, and is already coaching children between the ages of 10 and 15 capable of representing Great Britain at the Olympics and younger members who could be in the team in future games.

"But we know there are more children out there just waiting to be discovered. To this end we have launched an advertising campaign to let everyone know about our hunt.

"Gymnastics and trampoline are probably the hardest of all the Olympic sports to master, but by starting at the right age, with the very best coaches, there is every possibility that the next gymnastic superstar is out there, just waiting to be discovered.

"Esprit is determined to give every child the opportunity to achieve their best, and has increased the amount of places available in its weekly classes.

He continued: "Gymnastics is so popular that very few children ever leave the sport once they become involved, so lots of children miss out on the chance to start gymnastics at the right age and achieve their full potential.

"So we have spent the last two years training new coaches and now have top coaches from High Performance and National Judge level through to ex-GB squad members, ready to pass on their extensive knowledge."

This means the club can invite every child in the town to apply for one of the new spaces that start in September.

They will then be given the opportunity to become involved in the three main Olympic gymnastic sports, artistic gymnastics, rhythmic gymnastics and trampoline.

The coaches will identify the particular skills of every child and recommend the best direction for each.

They will then be in a position to identify every child who has the potential to reach the top and train them to compete at the highest level, with the Olympics and World Championships as the ultimate goal.

Hows said: "It's going to be hard work for everyone concerned, not least the gymnasts themselves.

"But I am convinced Swindon can produce a future World or Olympic champion and if they are out there we are determined to find them."

If anyone thinks they have what it takes then they can ring Esprit Gymnastics on 01793 822262.