A young Suffolk gymnast is on the verge of an international call-up having been crowned British champion in her age group.

Nine-year-old Halle Hilton won the National Elite Grade 4 competition by 0.15 of a mark and followed that up by securing the Voluntary Age Group level 4 National Finals title in Guildford by 0.7 of a mark.

The two combined victories saw the Pipers Vale Gymnastics Club member named Level 4 British champion (nine years) and virtually booked her spot in the national under-12 home nations team, which will be named later this month.

“Halle is one of the most talented kids I have ever coached,” said Pipers Vale head coach Andy Wood of the Rendlesham Primary School pupil.

“Part of it is natural talent and part of it is down to hard work, she works her socks off.

“Halle has been with us at Pipers Vale since pre-school and she has got to this level in six years. She has got so much guts and is really determined.

“We selected Halle for our Elite Development Squad three years ago and it was noticeable to see how quick she was improving.”

Halle, who has received tremendous support from her school, was also part of the team that won first place in the National Team trophy event and gold medals, making the team the best in Great Britain. Team-mates Alyssa Felgett and Molly Howland were also part of the quartet.

Molly finished seventh in the National Elite Grade 4 and ninth in the voluntary event, to give her eighth overall and a possible under 12 national squad place.

Alyssa also competed in both competitions and gained a combined placing of 12th.

“The girls’ success becomes a big team effort, not just from the kids and coaches, but also the parents who are very supportive,” added Wood.