BASINGSTOKE Gymnastic Club's senior mixed teamgym team have been selected to return to France in November to compete in the European Championships, Euroteam 2002.

Their selection follows the team's success in taking bronze in their international debut at the first Euroteam Open, held in Montlucon, France earlier this month.

Competing for their club and also representing their country, the team put in a good performance, with particularly strong tumbling, to score 22.20 to take third place.

Teams from France took the gold and silver medals with scores of 24.06 and 22.97 respectively.

Thanks to financial sponsorship from Barclays Asset Finance, the local team were able to travel to France to compete. The sponsorship helped pay travel and accommodation expenses for the gymnasts and two coaches from the club.

"Without the support of Barclays Asset Finance it would have been very difficult for us to attend this prestigious competition," said Claire Williams, the club's development officer and a member of the team.

The Basingstoke team, who are the current British champions, is completed by David Davison, Laura Glasscock, Charlie Uezzell, Claire White and David-Roy Wood. They are coached by Janet Wilson and Barry Phelan.