A RECIPIENT of Sport Tynedale funding has excelled on the national stage.

Teenager acro-gymnast Johnny Henderson, of Hexham, was part of a male quartet which achieved silver medals at the British Gymnastics Championships in Liverpool.

Johnny and his teammates Sam Stafford, Marcus Winship, and Aaron Greally, all represented Deerness Gymnastics Academy, at Ushaw Moor in County Durham.

Their adventure began last Friday, when they launched their championship with a clean and solid balance routine, during which they formed towers or pyramids with fearless Johnny holding positions at the top.

The opening routine on Friday put the boys 1.7 points ahead of their competition. On Saturday, they increased their lead further with a brilliant tempo routine which roused the crowd with their daring moves.

The tempo routine involved the bases (Sam, Marcus and Aaron) propelling Jonny through the air and through a series of somersaults and twists. They finished first in their category with their best competition score to date, and secured a well earned place in the male 12-18 age group final.

On Sunday, the quartet performed their third routine, which combined both balance and tempo moves, along with tumbling and dance.

They missed out on gold by just 0.3 points, but were proud recipients of national silver medals.

Johnny’s mum Lorna said: “They gave it their best effort, and utilised every ounce of energy and strength within them to accomplish a worthy silver medal.”

Johnny Henderson’s mum has thanked Sport Tynedale for the grant which assisted her son on his way to national silver at the British Gymnastics Championship.

Back in May, the Hexham youngster and his teammates from the Deerness Gymnastics Academy, at Ushaw Moor in County Durham, won the Acro English Championship, before following it up with silver medals at the British championship in Liverpool last weekend.

Lorna Henderson said: “Jonny was a recipient of a grant from Sports Tynedale. We wanted to thank you again for your support and generosity.

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

“The boys have achieved so much since competing in their first competition together at the start of the year. They will have a well deserved two week break before heading back to the gym.”

Lorna urged other talented sporting individuals to apply for Sport Tynedale funding.