By Benedict O'ConnorA GYMNASTICS club that was forced to close through a lack of funds is back in action following the award of a £10,000 grant.The popular Breckland Forest Gymnastic Club, based in Brandon, closed its doors in May after the owners said they could not afford to keep it going, But such was the popularity of the club among youngsters in the area that parents and organisers were determined to keep it going as a valuable asset to the town.

By Benedict O'Connor

A GYMNASTICS club that was forced to close through a lack of funds is back in action following the award of a £10,000 grant.

The popular Breckland Forest Gymnastic Club, based in Brandon, closed its doors in May after the owners said they could not afford to keep it going,

But such was the popularity of the club among youngsters in the area that parents and organisers were determined to keep it going as a valuable asset to the town.

Forest Heath District Council came to the rescue in August with an invaluable £10,000 grant, which has helped club officials to secure the rent on the club's Wimbledon Avenue premises for the next two years.

Since then club organisers have been searching for qualified coaches to help out at the club and help get it back on track.

Now, to the delight of young gymnasts and parents, the efforts of all those who have been involved in trying to resurrect the ailing club have been celebrated in the rejuvenated group's first open day.

A delighted club secretary, Kerry Monk, said: "It has been a long time for the kids to go without regular gymnastics classes and we have been doing everything we can to get the club off the ground again."

Ms Monk added the club had been working closely with Forest Heath District Council and British Gymnastics to take the it forward, but would still like to hear from anyone who could help, either with organising or coaching.

Anyone who is interested in helping the club, which reopened yesterday should contact Ms Monk on 01842 815218.

benedict.o'connor@eadt.co.uk