WE don’t want to leave Ipswich for the Olympic Village!

That was the view from the team of Brazilian gymnasts who spent 11 days training at the Pipers Vale Gymnastics Club.

Andy Wood, head coach at the club, said it was “absolutely brilliant” hosting the team who left Ipswich for London on Saturday.

He said: “We thoroughly enjoyed having the team in Ipswich and their stay was really productive. They said they would rather stay here than go to the Olympic village.”

Thanks to a special school project, hundreds of pupils got to witness their training, which the athletes said “added to the atmosphere”.

They are not expected to win any medals but do hope to make the finals.

Mr Wood will be getting to see the gymnasts in action when they compete in their first event on Sunday.

For more Olympic news, see our London Calling section.