CHILDREN went head over heels for a special visitor to a Whitefield gym.

Olympic bronze medallist Beth Tweddle visited Total Fitness to encourage a new generation of youngsters to try gymnastics.

She spent a full day at the centre in Elms Street during last Friday's official launch of the Beth Tweddle Gym Stars, aimed at children aged between two and seven.

Beth took part in a "meet and greet" session with her young fans before going into the gym to lead the warm-up sessions, giving the children the chance to be coached by Britain's most successful gymnast.

Her new Gym Stars programme, which has been up and running at Total Fitness for several weeks, provides an opportunity for children to enjoy gymnastics in a fun and welcoming environment. The focus is on the learning and the fundamental movements of gymnastics and making the sport accessible for all children

Beth, who is also a three-time world champion, said: "I'm really excited to be visiting Total Fitness to see the latest recruits to my Gym Stars programme. It's always great to meet the children and to see for myself how they are enjoying taking part in the sessions.

"The idea of Gym Stars is to make gymnastics fun and available to all children outside of a traditional gym club environment. I believe every child should try gymnastics as no other sport is better for helping a child's physical development."

Total Fitness manager Jake Fullerty said: "Everything went very well and Beth was here for the full day. She met and chatted to the children and had their photographs taken with them before going into the gym."