A group of gymnasts are set to be made homeless unless they can find a new base.

Stourdale Gymnastics Club, who train at Highfield Holiday Park, Clacton, have been told they will have to leave the site because the building they currently use is needed for re-development.

It is the second major blow for Stourdale - who have helped many youngsters to national standard - in less than three months.

Frank Stevens, 64, the club's founder and senior coach, died on new Year's Eve three weeks after he discovered he had cancer.

He was also chief coach and chairman of the Essex Amateur Gymnastics Association.

Stourdale have been based at Highfield since 1987 and are now in a desperate search for a new base.

Ray Johnson, spokesman for the club, said they had first been informed they would have to move in mid-January but the deadline had been extended in the short term.

"Jerry Caton at Highfield has been as helpful and flexible as he possibly can, given the commercial pressures he is under so the club is still at Highfield - but only short-term," said Mr Johnson.

"As the gymnasts are currently being trained for imminent competitions the club has been devastated by these events."

The club was founded 25 years ago and their members and their members and coaches have achieved the highest standards in British Gymnastics.

Mr Caton, general manager at Highfield, said the company had enjoyed an excellent relationship with the club over many years.

He said the building they used was now to be redeveloped for an indoor swimming pool and gym as part of plans to improve facilities and standards at the park.

"I have told Stourdale that they can stay right up until the day the builders move in," he added.

"But because of the scheme we had to give them notice to quit - and I just hope they are able to find an alternative home."

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