Harleston Sancroft Academy pupils shining brightly at gymnastics and karate

Four talented youngsters, who have excelled in gymnastics and karate, have been congratulated by their school as they look to fulfil their potential.

Harleston Sancroft Academy pupils Rhys Midwinter, Elizabeth Gray, Lilly-Mae Partridge and Scarlett Chenery have been praised for their commitment following a host of recent successes in their respective disciplines.

Rhys, who trains for 14 hours a week at Spring Gymnastics in Norwich and has made the East Region squad at club level 4, recently qualified to represent the east region in the national finals.

Fellow pupil Elizabeth is another rising star in gymnastics and recently became Norfolk County Champion at Bronze level (ages 12 and over).

Lining up alongside Elizabeth was Lilly-Mae, who came second in Norfolk at Copper level, qualifying to represent her county at the regional finals in November.

Heida Palmer, head coach at Spring Gymnastics, said: “Both girls are very naturally talented, but this doesn’t mean anything without dedication, hard work and a love of gymnastics, and this shows in their success.”

Away from gymnastics, Year 9 pupil Scarlett trains in traditional Zen Budo karate, with the Black Belt Academy in Norwich, and recently qualified to represent Team GB in the WTKA Unified World Championships in Italy, which took place last week.

Highly devoted to her sport, having trained with Black Belt Academy since the age of four, Scarlett joined 25 other team members in representing Great Britain in a field of 6,000 competitors.

Robert Connelly, executive headteacher at Harleston Sancroft Academy, said: “We are enormously proud of all our students here at Sancroft and I am delighted to hear of their successes.

“They demonstrate such a strong work ethic and commitment to their sports, training for many hours every week. It is great to see them excel.”