A FEARLESS teenage acrobat from the district has won a prestigious national title.

Jonny Henderson is part of a male quartet based at the Deerness Gymnastics Academy, at Ushaw Moor in County Durham, who have won the Acro English Championship.

Jonny, alongside fellow youngsters Sam Stafford, Marcus Winship, and Aaron Greally, received gold medals for their respective balance and dynamic routines at the event, which took place at Newton Aycliffe.

The pupil at Hexham’s Queen Elizabeth High School is used to being thrown up into the air, and standing on the shoulders of his trusted teammates.

The dynamic routine saw Jonny perform a series of somersaults and twists before either being caught, or supported by his teammates in a controlled landing.

The Hexham youngster also had to hold his pose while balancing on his toes, on top of a human tower.

“Both routines were the best that the boys had ever performed in a competition and gained them a worthy place in the final,” said Jonny’s mum, Lorna.

“The boys completed their third routine on day two of the competition, which combined both of their balance and dynamic moves.

“This performance was a personal best score for the boys and secured them the gold medal.”

This competition was the first part of the qualification stage for the Great Britain team selection. Representing the nation is an ambition all four boys share, and the European Championships will take place in Israel, in October.

Jonny and his teammates are set to compete at the British Championships in July.

Earlier this year, the four boys joined up with the Acro National Development Squad at Lilleshall, where they worked with the country’s top coaches.

Jonny attends the Deerness Academy five times a week. Despite training, travel, competition, and kit costs, he receives no sponsorship. However, he has benefited from a grant from Sport Tynedale, a voluntary-led organisation which recognises and supports local sportspeople.

The organisation, which runs the annual Sport Tynedale Awards, offers grants to talented individuals who are looking to develop their skills at county level or higher.

Lorna added: “Without the support from Sport Tynedale, Jonny would not be able to reach his goals.”