A PENCIL-slim gymnast bidding for Commonwealth Games glory in Manchester in 2004 has been limbering up with a man-mountain Saints star to help realise her dream.

And queen of the splits, pivot, leaps and high leg balances Kirsty Bennison made her Knowsley Road debut by being swept onto the shoulders of her favourite player, 17-stone prop Apollo Perelini.

Just 11-years-old tomorrow (Friday,July 16) the Sherdley County Primary School pupil shares that birthday with the giant Western Samoan, and has been a member of St Helens Rhythmic Gymnastic Club for three years.

The sport was granted Olympic status in 1984 and is exclusive to females, with its disciplines involving the use of a ball, clubs, hoop, rope and ribbon, all to musical accompaniment.

Graceful, blue-eyed Kirsty is the daughter of Keith and Chris Bennison, of Nursery Road, Thatto Heath, who also have a 13-year-old son, Dael, who is a keen Saints supporter.

Kirsty has already earned soaring success in the demanding world of rhythmic gymnastics, which incorporates a high degree of ballet. She has competed in Northern Ireland, Edinburgh, Somerset, Milton Keynes, Worcester, Manchester, Liverpool and also locally, and has won 18 medals - including 11 gold, one of which was a national award.

The beautifully-balanced Bennison is currently North West champion in her age group and trains both locally and with the North West squad in Manchester, plus extra stints with the Elizabeth Hill Royal Academy of Dance. Kirsty attended a selection trial at Lilleshall Sports Centre under national coach Nadia Alexandrova, and has been named in the British Development Squad for the second successive year.

Said proud mum, Chris: "Keith and I are very grateful to Kirsty's coaches Iris Critchley and Liz Pryor, and such is her poise and talent we would like to generate sponsorship and publicity to raise her profile even further.

"Our daughter is totally committed to rhythmic gymnastics and would love to have training facilities at Saints. Anyone wishing to become involved on either count can contact me on St Helens 635463."

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