EMMA Kent is a brave, determined young lady. So determined, in fact, that she has just won a gold medal in a national gynnastic competition.

The 13-year-old St Catherines schoolgirl was the top scorer in her three events, the vault, floor and beam, at the Gymnastics Disabilities National Championships held in Wigan.

Emmas achievements are even more remarkable when you consider the extent of her disability.

She was born with severely shortened arms, but despite the difficulties this causes her, she is always cheerful and determined to do well, said Len Arnold, the senior coach at the Europa Club in Erith.

Emma, who is a member of the Gymnastics and Movement for People with disabilities national squad, also helps out with the younger children in the clubs special needs classes.

But Emmas prowess also extends to the swimming pool and recently, while representing the Mottingham-based Sharks Swimming Club, she won a gold in the 25 metres breaststroke and bronze in the backstroke over the same distance in the highly competitive Guildford Games.

Meanwhile, three members of the club which is in Fraser Road, made it through to the National Age Group Finals at Guildfords Spectrum Sports Centre.

Jessica Brough and Ashley Marshall competed at level 2 for 11-year-olds, while Nicola Dunlop took part at level 3 for 10-year-olds.

Both Nicola and Ashley had falls, while Jessica who was carrying a niggling ankle injury, finished 24th.

But her excellent performance in the National Elite Grade Championships in March was taken into account, and she finished 13th, which means she will go to the World Class Start Trial being held at Stoke on Saturday.

The youngest-ever winner at the London Youth Games in July, Jessica is working hard, hoping that she will be picked for the national squad.

If you are interested in finding out more about Europa Gymnastics Club, call Len Arnold on 01322 439233.