West Country Gymnastics

A North Somerset gymnast who helped Team GB women finish fifth in the all-round competition has announced her retirement.

Ruby Harrold showed poise and strength during her uneven bars routine, but has decided to finish her career as an elite gymnast in favour of university.

The 20-year-old, who trains at Portishead, will head to Louisiana State University this September - a move she has put off for three years.

RUBY HARROLD - A PROFILE

20-year-old Ruby is a seasoned performer.

At the 2016 British Championships she won beam and bars bronze before going to Bern for the European Championships and helping the team take silver.

There has been more West country success at the Commonwealth games. In gymnastics, Portishead's Claudia Fragapane won gold in the women's individual all-around event.

Ruby Harrold from Bristol claimed silver and Hannah Whelan bronze as England filled every step on the podium.

Olympic gymnastic superstar Beth Tweddle was in the region today, encouraging youngsters to take up the sport. Children joined in the fun at Newquay Sports Centre, as part of Beth's initiative to inspire children from an early age.

Olympic medallist Beth Tweddle has launched a gymnastics programme for children in Cornwall today.

The World Champion has been meeting children at Newquay Sports Centre this morning, where she will show them her floor display and take part in a question and answer session.

Miss Tweddle will visit sports centres in Launceston and St Austell later.

Olympic medallist Beth Tweddle MBE is in Cornwall today launching a children's gymnastics programme. The 3 times world champion gymnast has teamed up with Tempus Leisure to introduce Gym Stars. She will be launching the programme in Newquay, St Austell and Launceston later today.