THREE young gymnasts from Middlewich were part of a team that came second in competition in Pennsylvania, USA.


Bethany Houghton, eight, Freya Markham, nine, and Scarlett Murray, 10, travelled America as part of the Elite Squad at Sandbach Gymnasts and took part in a training camp and competition.


The girls left home with the squad and without their parents on Thursday, November 4, and stayed until Friday, November 12.


Lisa Houghton, Bethany's mum, said: “No parents were allowed to go and I was apprehensive at first because she had to take time out of school as well. But we ended up deciding to let her go because she has got a lot of potential.


“Bethany came back battered and bruised from it but she absolutely loved it over there and the work ethic the kids have is amazing.


“Even at such a young age they aspire to be the best in the country.”


The team of six came second over in the competition and Freya came third in the individual floor event.


The girls do not have much time to rest before their next challenge as they travel to the Isle of Man to take part in another competition at the end of November.