A GYMNASTICS club in Crewe has revamped its training sessions so it can reopen its doors to its athletes.

LS Gymnastics Crewe Academy, based at the Apollo Buckingham Campus, formerly MMU, has brought back small cohorts of gymnasts to move between activities with extensive cleaning being undertaken between routines.

Academy founder Candy Lakin was paid a visit by Crewe and Nantwich MP Kieran Mullan who saw at first hand how the club has been able to welcome back its members in line with Covid-19 guidelines.

Candy says she was determined to restart sessions as she knew her gymnasts would not only benefit from the physical work outs, but enjoy a boost to their mental health in lockdown.

She said: "It was the chance to be part of the great big family we try and create here. I wanted to get them back training as soon as we possibly could.

"It has taken a lot of work but it has been worth it seeing how much they enjoy being back."

The MP said: "I was hugely impressed by the drive and commitment of Candy and her team to support their young people in particular. Meeting and speaking with some of the gymnasts today it came across very strongly how important their gymnastics is to them.

"I want to congratulate Candy and all the staff and volunteers for the inclusive approach they have at the heart of what they do.

"I know lockdown and not being able to go out has made people give a second thought to the importance of investing in their own and their children's physical and mental wellbeing. It might be gymnastics, it might be something else, but I'd encourage everyone to give something physical a try if they haven't before."

Originally run from Sir William Stanier Sports Hall, the family run club moved to the new expanded site last year. Prior to lockdown the club saw more than 600 gymnasts training every week, including elite GB team athletes.

The dedicated, 30-strong coaching team includes elite national coaches for both the British men's and women's teams.

Gymnastics training with LS Gymnastics Crewe Academy is available for all abilities, including disabilities and pre-school gymnastics.

The club can be contacted on 07880 344227 or via its website.