YOUNG gymnasts in Okehampton are able to bounce higher thanks to new equipment paid for by local charities.

Donations from The Manor House Hotel, Okehampton Rotary Club, and The Inner Wheel have paid for new mats and an extension to the tumble track, a spun floor which allows gymnasts to get more bounce in their somersaults and other manoeuvres.

The OCRA Gymnastic and Trampolining Club works with more than 360 young people of all ages each week, and continues to grow thanks to local support. It runs sessions every day of the week except Sunday, meeting primarily in Okehampton College gym.

OCRA manager Stuart Lord said: ‘A big thank you to Okehampton Rotary Club, The Inner Wheel and The Manor House who have all helped recently with new equipment for the club. This allows the young people to develop new skills, build confidence, have even more fun and – if they want to – compete.

‘Gymnastics and trampolining are great sports in their own right and also the foundation to so many ways to move and enjoy other sports, dance and activities throughout life.’

Picture by James Bird.