THE Dynamo School of Gymnastics are doing their bit to close the gap on the Eastern European domination of the sport.

Thanks to their thriving development programme and strong grass-roots selection process, the Hedge End-based club are producing their highest-ever level of gymnast.

Pathfinder Jenna Sanders is now in full-time training at the national centre in Lilleshall and two more bright sparks are ready to burst onto the scene.

Kerry Upton from Elson Junior School in Gosport and fellow ten-year-old Rebecca Nolan from Heathfield Junior School, Southampton, are tipped for success at this weekend's British Age-Group Championships at Guildford.

Both girls are coached by Vicky Wilson at the Dynamo club and will be representing the Southern Region for the second time this season. They will feature among winners from 12 regions as battle commences for a place in the national under-12 squad.

"Both these girls show talent beyond their years and the future looks very promising for them," explained Dynamo director of coaching Debbie Hampton. "Each year we can see the gap closing on the strong Eastern block counties, so look out for these two in 2004!"