AN 11-year-old from Southampton's Valentine School is set to become the sweetheart of the gymnastics world.

Natasha Nolan secured a bright future for herself when she travelled to Liverpool to compete in the National Elite Grade Competition.

Not only did the Dynamo School of Gymnastics youngster capably pass the test, but she did it with distinction.

Coached by Vicky Moody at Dynamo, she finished in overall fourth place in a very strong field of 48 gymnasts, only narrowly missing out on a bronze.

It was no mean feat considering the competition attracts only those gymnasts deemed capable by their coaches of qualifying for the British Championships.

Natasha gained the highest score of the day on horizontal bar and physical range and conditioning.

She had to show excellence in performing set exercises, which, if mastered technically, should enable her to compete at international level.

Debbie Hampton, Dynamo's director of gymnastics, said: "We are all delighted with Natasha's achievement and the hard work that Vicky has put in to get her there.

"Natasha now has the opportunity to compete with her clubmates in the Espoire section of the British Championships. It is at this competition that future GB squads are selected, so the sky is the limit."