EIGHT girls from the same gymnastics club are jumping for joy after landing national squad places.

The young gymnasts from South Durham Gymnastics Club, based in Spennymoor, County Durham, all finished with top ten competition rankings for their age groups to secure places in the national squad for 2014.

Selection means they will attend training camps at the national training centre, in Lilleshall, and be eligible for selection to represent Great Britain in prestigious international contests.

Jade Armstrong, 15, from Spennymoor, is in the senior national squad and Amy Tinkler, 14, from Bishop Auckland, and Claudia Barkes, 14, from Barnard Castle, were selected to represent the juniors.

Leah Rockett, 13, from Burnopfield, and Courtney Burton, 12, from Darlington, made the espoir national squad.

And at the youngest level, the development national squad, are Francesca Ryman, 11, from Heighington, Mia Scott, 11, from Shildon, and ten-year-old Leah Greenland, from Spennymoor.

A club spokesperson said: “This is a fantastic achievement for the girls and for the club.

“It is a real testament to the expertise and commitment of the South Durham coaches and programme.

“With sights on Rio (Olympic Games in 2016) and beyond this selection will afford the girls the best opportunity to develop in the sport.”