195 students from eight schools competed this year in a gymnastics competition across areas of Herefordshire and the Forest of Dean. The teams competing were Berry Hill, Clearwell, Ellwood, Gorsley Goffs, Madley, Mitcheldean, Much Birch and Woodside.

There were loud cheers from a very excited team of gymnasts & teachers from Mitcheldean Endowed Primary School as they mounted the podium to collect the winner’s trophy and the Forest Shield after a long day of competition.

This was the first time that Mitcheldean had won the Forest Primary Schools’ shield after entering for many years and the win was all the more special as head teacher Julia Dowding, who trains the team is retiring at Easter. She was delighted. This was the 20th year of the competition.

The competition allows children of all levels of experience to enjoy representing their school at gymnastics.

Ranging from beginners competing at Level 1 to experienced gymnasts in Level 4, the children performed a set floor routine and two vaults.

The atmosphere throughout the day was friendly and encouraging, with teachers and children from all schools supporting each other.

Trophies were presented to the three highest scoring schools, their team scores being the total of their highest two boys’ scores and highest two girls’ scores from at least two different levels.

The highest scoring girl and boy at each level also received trophies, with each having their moment of triumph on the podium.

The final team trophy places were: 1st Mitcheldean, 2nd Much Birch, 3rd Madley.

The highest scoring girls were: Level 1 Savanha Dunn Hale, of Mitcheldean, Level 2 Emily Smith, of Ellwood, Level 3 Ella Robinson, of Gorsley Goffs and Level 4 Anastasia Hughes, of Much Birch.

The highest scoring boys were: Level 1 Charlie Stokes, of Madley, Level 2 Archie Weyman, of Woodside and Level 3 Jacob Tipper of Mitcheldean. It was a great day for the competitors.See this week’s paper for more stories like this, available in shops and as a Digital Edition now.