YOUNG gymnast Mabelle Dawson is preparing to compete in the English and British Gymnastics Championships this month.

The Ramsbottom youngster secured qualification for both competitions after joining the ranks of the country's elite gymnasts last month when she became part of the Great Britain Home Nations Squad due to being ranked sixth in the country in her age group.

The Year 7 pupil at Bolton School won her age category competition in the North West last year after previously attending a Great Britain Development Squad training camp at the National Sports Centre at Lilleshall along with the country’s top gymnasts.

She has practised gymnastics since she was three years old and trains almost every day at City of Manchester Gymnastics Club.