AN INTERNATIONAL centre of excellence for gymnasts could soon be opened in Darwen.

Darwen Gym Club says its current base in Percival Street is sub-standard and unless it finds new premises, the talented young gymnasts will not stay in the top flight of the sport.

Coach John Waring said: "We have outgrown our existing gym and desperately need to find a new base.

"A number of us have been to Russia where they have amazing facilities. We hope to have something in Darwen which rivals their centres of excellence."

Their ambitious plans which include raising cash and applying for a Lottery grant of £150,000 for land or a new building are already under way.

"We are keeping our options open and welcome any advice or suggestions which could help us achieve our aim," said Mr Waring.

"Our motto has always been to make the sport available to anyone who wants to have a go. Ideally we want a plot or land or building close to the town centre which meet our requirements."

For the last few years the club has raised cash to help fund their dream of finding either an acre of land or a building which is approximately 130 ft long, 80 ft wide.

Mr Waring hopes they can realise at least part of that dream in time for November 1997 when the Gymnastic World Championships are held in Manchester.

Anybody who can help should ring the gym after 6.30pm on 873042 or Mr Waring on 776334.

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