THERE were celebrations a-plenty at the Harlequins Gymnastics Club after eight-year-old Natasha Williams (pictured) beat off strong opposition to come away with a bronze medal from the level five gymnastics competition in North Solihull.

It was a big day for Natasha, who has been a gymnast for three years and was taking part in her second major championships.

There was great excitement when St Thomas Cantilupe School pupil was in third position after the morning competition.

In the afternoon she was up against some very strong clubs from around the West Midlands and there was a tense wait as the last competitors completed their performances and the final scores were announced to reveal that Natasha had held on to her bronze medal position.

"We were all thrilled to see Tasha on the podium being presented with her bronze medal," said Margaret Daniels of the Harlequins Gymnastics Club, who had sent four competitors to the championships.

"She has been practising hard and we all thought she would do well."