DYNAMO School of Gymnastics were jumping for joy this week when the Hedge End club found out that 13-year-old Kerri Upton from Gosport had earned a place in the national squad.

The selection was made after the British Championships and Sport England testing, and Kerri, pictured above, will now train monthly with Britain's top under-14s and have the opportunity to compete internationally.

It was excellent news for Dynamo, who already have other gymnasts on the national scene.

Their most accomplished performer, Vanessa Hobbs, has just returned from the World Championships, where the Great Britain team secured ninth place to qualify for the Olympics in Athens next year.

Dynamo head coach Debbie Hampton said: "This is a great opportunity for Kerri. She has excellent potential and can look forward to a successful international career.

"It has taken a while to prepare her, but her courage and commitment is very rare. She will thrive on the challenge and will succeed."

The selection for the senior squad was delayed due to the World Championships.

Dynamo are keeping their ears open for the announcement in case two of their other top girls are selected. Sixteen-year-olds Kirsty Oxford and Katie Seabrook are taking a year out from studying to challenge for an Olympic team place.