EMMA Routs has proved she can compete with the best of the rest in the country at a prestigious event.

The nine-year-old, who trains at Knutsford-based Gymfinity Gymnastics, was the best performer in the North West’s contingent at British Gymnastics’ Women’s Artistic National Development Plan Grading.

She classified fourth overall in the Grade Four category.

“It’s a brilliant achievement,” said Ruth Chapman, her coach.

“Emma trains so hard, sometimes up to 20 hours a week, and is the first of our gymnasts to have gone down the national grades route.”

Routs, a pupil at Bexton Primary School, had finished third in the regional grades finals at Wigan earlier this year.

Three other Gymfinity gymnasts were crowned county champions at the Cheshire and Merseyside grades finals.

Susie Kirsten and Milana Marsten, both 10, placed first and second respectively at Grade Three.

They then helped Cheshire and Merseyside’s representative team to second place at the North West finals.

Nine-year-olds Jasmine Wilson and Elsa Jackson won gold and silver respectively at Grade Five in the county finals, while seven-year-old Shiloh Lee ranked first at Grade Six.

That trio also represented Cheshire and Merseyside.

Gymfinity members Maya Ashcroft, 10, Maggie Thompson, nine, and eight-year-olds Ava Sumner and Millie Roberts all gained a distinction for their grades at county level.

Chapman added: “The girls work all year round to make their grades, it’s a big deal.

“It’s harder for them as we don’t have a purpose-built gym to train at, so we make as much progress as possible when we meet.”

Gymfinity is based at Egerton Youth Club, on Mereheath Lane.

For further details, call Ruth Chapman on 07545 186281.