Tyrrells County Primary School has been crowned the county's Primary Schools' Gymnastics champions for the 19th successive year.

The annual competition was held at Riverside Leisure Centre and produced an exciting afternoon's sport.

Over 80 local gymnasts produced a high standard which reflects the hard work and hours of coaching that they, and their teachers, put into the sport.

The individual star of the afternoon was Laura King from Our Lady Immaculate, who won two gold medals, for individual floor and vault, as well as the team bronze.

The overall result was: (1st) Tyrrells CP 'A' 84.6 points; (2nd), Elm Green Prep 81.3 points; and (3rd) Our Lady Immaculate 79.3 points.

The individual winners were: Laura King (Our Lady Immaculate) girls' floor and vault gold medals; Matthew Yeates (Elm Green) boys' vault; and Carl Boddenham (Tyrrells) boys' floor.

The Tyrrells School joint coach, Jackie Blaydes, who trains the Springfield school's squad with Louise Walker, said: ''We are delighted with the teams performance, and it is nice for the school to have won the championships in both the 1990s and the new century.

'' Although we know that everybody is out to beat us, our next aim is to be champions for a 20th year''.

Top team . . the Tyrrells County Primary School team, that won the Chelmsford Primary Schools' Gymnastics Competition at Riverside Centre, Chelmsford. The victory was the 19th in the prestigious competition (back row); Laura Hudspith, Sarah Pomfrat and Claudia Ware. (front): Carl Bodenham, Matthew James and Nathan French.

Picture: GARETH MORGAN

Converted for the new archive on 19 November 2001. Some images and formatting may have been lost in the conversion.