A BURY gymnast hopes rubbing shoulders with some of the top names in the sport can help him claim Olympic glory.

Joshua Binns is on a British gymnastics talent scheme along with 35 juniors from around the country.

As part of the scheme, the 10-year-old, who lives in Bolton, has been down to the Team GB headquarters at Lilleshall, where the group have attended masterclasses with top names in the sport, such as Claudia Fragapane and Max Whitlock.

He also trains up to eight hours a day, six days a week.

“He absolutely loves it,” says dad Martin. “All of the juniors are there in the same facility as the men’s and women’s Olympic team.

“It is a fantastic thing for him to do every month.

“I think it is great British Gymnastics gets them all together.”

The ultimate goal for the Prestolee Primary School pupil is a place in the adult squad for the 2024 and 2028 Olympic Games.

“All the children on the junior pathway are targetting those two Games.

“Josh’s age-group have a lot of ambition – they want a place on the podium.

“When you look back a few years ago, Great Britain was 23rd in world ranking – now they are either third of fourth.

“At the next Olympics I think they will be looking at silver medals or even gold.

“If Josh keeps his head down and he continues to progress then that is where he is heading.” Josh has already impressed after winning the Elite Level One gymnastics finals.

Martin added: “He trains so hard and is so focussed. He knows he has been given a great opportunity.”