The Orpington club, which trains at the Walnuts Sports Centre, visited Pierre-sur-Dives, near Caen.

Gymnasts were welcomed by the deputy mayor of the town at a civic

reception to mark their visit, which was followed by a luncheon.

During their four-day stay, the Orpington girls had a full programme of activities and trained and competed alongside the French gymnasts.

The visit was arranged by Amelie Tribouillard and Paula Hutton, chief coach at Orpington, after the French senior gymnast's time with the Orpington club.

At the end of the visit the two clubs exchanged gifts and momentos of their time together and set up plans for a future return visit with USP coming to England.