CHINGFORD youngster Scott Gregory will next month be heading off to the National Development Programme Gymnastics finals in Newcastle as part of the London regional team.

The nine-year-old came through the London qualifiers for the second year running, which were held at his home club the East London Gymnastics Club in Beckton.

Scott who is coached by former Algerian international and African Champion Fateh Berrimi had to show his skills, strength and suppleness on seven types of apparatus, with the aim of finishing in the top six to qualify.

And the talented youngster came through with flying colours by finishing fourth overall, a place up on last year.

His aim of improving on his 42nd place out of 60 competitors in the 2001 final were also boosted further when he won a gold medal with partner Anthoney Hughes at a Twin Team under-10 competition on Sunday.

And Scott's mum Susan believes all the hard work is paying off at the moment for the dedicated youngsters who trains five teams a week.

She said: "Scott has been doing gymnastics for four and a half years now and he is very dedicated because he trains four times a week and then on Saturday morning, which are all three hour sessions.

"I am very proud of his achievements and it makes all the taxi driving we have to do to get him to training and these events worth while.

"I would also like to add that his school Yardley Primary have been very supportive of him."

And despite having to dedicate so much time to the sport, Scott believes it will all be worth it in the end. He added: "I really enjoy going gymnastics and hopefully I will become good enough one day to go to the Olympics." CHINGFORD youngster Scott Gregory (pictured) will next month be heading off to the National Development Programme Gymnastics finals in Newcastle as part of the London regional team.

The nine-year-old came through the London qualifiers for the second year running, which were held at his home club the East London Gymnastics Club in Beckton.

Scott who is coached by former Algerian international and African Champion Fateh Berrimi, had to show his skills, strength and suppleness on seven types of apparatus, with the aim of finishing in the top six to qualify.

And the talented youngster came through with flying colours by finishing fourth overall, a place up on last year.

His aim of improving on his 42nd place out of 60 competitors in the 2001 final were also boosted further when he won a gold medal with partner Anthony Hughes at a Twin Team under-10 competition on Sunday.

And Scott's mum Susan believes all the hard work is paying off at the moment for the dedicated youngsters who trains five teams a week.

She said: "I am very proud of his achievements and it makes all the taxi driving we have to do to get him to training and these events worthwhile."

June 14, 2002 10:30