GYMNASTS from Hope Acro were close to home this weekend as they competed in the North West Championships at Robin Park Arena.
It was a glorious day for Isobel Stirrup, Jess Lancaster and Lois Preston in the Grade 5 Women's Group category.
An unfortunate slip saw them post a below-par score in the morning Balance routine, leaving them with it all to do in the afternoon's Dynamic routine.
Unfazed by their earlier mistake, they produced a scintillating performance to clinch gold and become North West champions.
There was a further reward as they were awarded the trophy for the highest Artistry score of the entire competition.
Betty Prescott and Emma Green followed a similar path to their clubmates in the Grade 5 Women's Pair.
Disappointed with their score in the Balance routine, the pair stormed through a dazzling Dynamic routine to secure a convincing victory and another gold for Hope.
The Grade 3 Women's Group category was dominated by Hope gymnasts. Hannah Gannon, Alice Pownall and Daisy Denmade posted a monumental score of 26.400 with their high energy routine early in the proceedings.
They held on comfortably to take the gold, while clubmates Jessica Bithell, Fliss Roberts and Caitlin Hanley earned a well deserved bronze in their last competition together as a trio.
In the Grade 3 Women's Pair, Daisy Kay and newcomer Ella Dajani topped the standings for a long time.
They were denied the victory right at the death but can be rightly proud of their silver medal.
There were further successes in the IDP category.
Holly Williams, Darcey Cassidy and Rosie Kay took gold in the IDP2 Women's Group, with Mia Ellison, Madi Corless and Lola Sitko winning the silver medal in IDP1.
As the day drew to a close, Hope were rewarded with a final flurry of medals. Lilly Madej, Eva Barron and Harper Mines claimed a fabulous gold in the Grade 2 Women's Group.
Isabel Rummery, Freya Cross and Amelia Harper looked to have won the Grade 4 Women's Group with a fantastic score.
They were just edged out in the end but can be happy with their performance and a silver medal.
A final medal came in the Grade 1 Women's Pair. Future stars Isla Healey and Molly Hughes delighted everyone with their bronze winning performance.
Next up for Hope is a trip to Edinburgh in the New Year to compete at the prestigious Scottish Invitational.
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