THREE members of Acrobay Gymnastics Club are jumping for joy after being picked to represent Great Britain at a global competition.

Erin Henderson, Sacha Muir and Chloe Rowlands have been selected to take part in the 2018 Acrobatic Gymnastics World Age Group Championships next month.

And the talented trio, who will compete in the 13-19 years age group at the event in Antwerp, Belgium, have also made history as they are the first partnership from Scotland to be chosen for GB at these World Championships.

The girls were one of only three Scottish partnerships who were invited to trial after their performance in competition satisfied the national coach that they were capable of the level of quality required to compete at that level.

Due to the standard of acrobatics across the country, the bar for selection is set high and the club said that being invited to trial was “in itself a major achievement for both the gymnasts and the coaching team”.

After winning gold at the Pat Wade Competition in November, Erin, Sacha and Chloe received a call-up to attend a selection event at the Lillieshall National Sports Centre, Shropshire, in January.

Last month’s Acrobatic Gymnastics British Championship in Stoke-on-Trent, which saw five Acrobay partnerships take part, formed the third and final part of the trial process.

Having wowed the judges and the audience with three superb routines showcasing teamwork, choreography, skill, strength and flexibility, Erin, Sacha and Chloe took the coveted gold medal which, in addition to crowning them this year’s British champions, ensured they received the news shortly afterwards that they had clinched a place on the GB team.

The news is still sinking in for Acrobay’s elated head coach Suzanne Fraser, who commented: “I’m absolutely delighted with the announcement of the girls being selected for the GB team. All their hard work, determination and commitment has paid off. It’s been my goal since starting the club to get a partnership representing GB and now it’s happened I can’t quite believe it! I hope this is inspiration to all Scottish Acrobatic gymnasts and for others to join a sport that we all love.”

In addition, Suzanne, who has been a major part of the team that assisted the girls to achieve their place at the World Age Group Championships, has also been selected as a coach for the GB team in the 12-18 and 13-19 years age groups.

The competition will be held from April 4-10.