A PRESTON nurse vaulted over the opposition to scoop a gold medal in the British Veterans Gymnastics Championships at the age of 44.

Gerry Fletcher-Atkinson, who works at Royal Preston Hospital, puts her triumph down to her background as a dancer and hopes her success will spur more over 40s to take up the sport.

Gerry only took up gymnastics three years ago and thinks her achievement in the over-40s artistic class proves her sport is not just for teenagers.

She said: "I teach dance classes and this helps me keep in trim, but the event is very tough.

"We compete over the four disciplines of bars, beam, vault and floor just the same as the younger gymnasts. The sport can be enjoyable for all ages and is gaining in popularity."

Gerry retained the title she had won the previous year by winning the championships held last month in Ipswich.

She represented the City of Liverpool Gymnastics Club, which counts Britain's number one female gymnast Beth Tweddle who competed in this year's Olympic Games, among its members.

Gerry added: "I am very proud of my achievement, particularly as the British championships is one of only three competitions in the country for veterans.

"Gymnastics is a great way to keep fit and I hope my success will encourage more veterans to take up the sport."