Southampton gymnasts Kieran Whittle and Farai Bright Garamukanwa are preparing to make their Great Britain international debut.

The reigning British Senior champions in Acrobatic Gymnastics men’s pairs are travelling to France next month to compete against 11 other duos in the World Acrobatic Gymnastics Championships.

Kieran, 19, from Totton, has been training with the Southampton Gymnastics Club for around a decade – and so has Southampton-based Farai, 15.

They have competed as a pair for the last three years, and have been coached for that time by Keri Llewellyn, the club’s technical director.

“What has impressed me the most about Kieran and Farai has been the courage and perseverance they have demonstrated,” said Llewellyn.

“That has been inspirational to the younger and next generation of gymnasts.

“It is a great message for all the gymnasts that hard work does pay off in the end.

“Being a non-funded sport, the boys have had to invest tens of thousands into their training to achieve their dream. “Their dedication won’t stop here as they also aim to represent their country in next year’s European Championships.”

Southampton Gymnastics Club’s have also had head judge Caroline Hodgson selected to represent Great Britain.

She is also off to France next month as one of GB’s judges at the World Age Group Championships.