HARD work and intense training are paying off for young trampolinist Nicole Short.

The 11 year old Radcliffe lass quit gymnastics a year ago to concentrate on her chosen sport.

Once a recreational trampolinist at the Bury Trampoline Club - run by her mother June - she now travels to City of Liverpool Trampoline Club based at the Park Road Centre of Excellence.

Nicole, a pupil at Chapelfield Primary School, trains four of five sessions on Merseyside with extra daytime sessions during the school holidays.

The culmination of her fantastic season was qualification for the national finals at the National Indoor Arena, Birmingham, earlier this month.

Competitors must complete two routines, one set and one voluntary.

Lying in last place after receiving poor marks for her set routine Nicole showed great composure and determination with a good voluntary routine and was lying in fifth place going into the final on the Sunday.

The scores for the top ten are carried forward and they complete one more voluntary routine, in reverse order.

Nicole showed just what an improved performer she is to put in a splendid final routine and finish a creditable third in her first national finals.

Next year Nicole goes up to the under-13 age group which will be extremely competitive but she is already training hard in preparation.

Her targets are to qualify for the national finals and sychro finals again, for world class testing and selection for Great Britain in the World Age Group games in Japan.

The training and travelling involved are hugely expensive and Nicole is on the lookout for sponsors who may be able to assist in any way.

If you can help contact the Bury Times sports desk.bur200403984