THERE is just no stopping the continued excellence displayed by members of Thamesmead-based Crossway Gymnastics Club.

During 2001, members won numerous coveted awards which was reflected when they attended a presentation evening, organised by Greenwich Council, to mark the club's most successful year ever.

Ten-year-old Ashley Glazebrook, representing the Crossway Greenwich boys' elite squad, collected the Spirit of the Games award for the club which won at the London Heathrow Youth Games, held at Crystal Palace.

The same award was also received by Leanne Hughes, also 10, who representing the girls' elite squad

The Greenwich Junior Sports Team of the Year is an award representing all sports in the borough. First won in 1997 by the Crossway girl gymnasts, this time it was the turn of the boys' elite squad, with the girls' squad runners up for a marvellous one-two.

These four awards were of major significance, when considering the average age of the gymnasts at Crossway is just 10.

Gymnasts representing the Greenwich boys' team from Crossway at the London Heathrow Youth Games came first overall with the Bexley girls' team, placed second overall, formed by some of Crossway gymnasts.

Tony Nell, head coach at the Crossway Centre reported that last year was "sensational", with gymnasts championed at all levels of competition from inter-club, to regional and invitation levels.

These achievements did not go unnoticed. At the club's annual presentation night, held at Thamesmead Football Club, a staggering 110 trophies, plus certificates of merit, were presented to Crossway gymnasts who had performed at all levels of ability during 2001.

The Champion of Champions' was Fleur Halsey, while the Most promising newcomer', winning five trophies for her efforts, was seven-year-old Emma Webb.

The Tom Chambers Memorial Shield for outstanding ability was presented to Lauren Brent, a member of the senior elite squad.

The shield, donated by neighbours of Tom, was presented by his son Chris, in memory of the long-serving coach who sadly died last year, while a new Peggy's Memorial Trophy was given to Lauraleigh Doyle, aged 11, for her commitment to the centre.

Tony Nell summed up these successes by his gymnasts as the bright light during a darker time for the club.

A burglary in November last year saw the centre struggling for cash after thieves took the safe containing fees and other money which kept the club going.

Tony said: "I don't suppose the mindless people who committed these offences even care that it was children's cash they were taking.

"Most of the money raised for Crossway is actually raised by the children themselves, like the £1,600 during last year.

"This has led to our management committee putting up cash for extra security for items like a new burglar alarm linked to the police, iron gates and security grilles.

"We at Crossway would like to thank Trust Thamesmead for their grant to purchase a new competition vaulting table, which will enable gymnasts at the centre to compete on a level playing field with major rivals.

"Other sponsors who have contributed during 2001 and shown their support to Crossway are Thames Water and McDonalds in Thamesmead.

"Crossway always has space for new members. It is open seven days a week for 50 weeks a year, including school holidays, while coaching staff clock up around 47,000 training hours a year!

"We have sessions for pre-school children, recreational and elite gymnastics, plus training for youngsters with special needs for boys and girls from the age of three."

If you are interested in supporting Crossway's gymnasts, why not consider sponsoring kit or trophies?

If you would like to help or need more

information about membership, call Tony Nell on 020 8312 1190.