A thriving gymnastics club that has produced national, European and world champions has celebrated its 40th anniversary.

Deeside Gymnastics Club was founded in 1974 by Ernie Cookson, who still remains as head coach at the Deeside Leisure Centre club. The milestone was celebrated at the end of last year when the club welcomed some of its former members back to perform a special routine.

Gymnasts past and present also came together to share their memories of the last four decades with the ‘Golden Oldies’ performing their routine for current members and parents. Over the past 40 years the club have enjoyed much success, boasting a string of North Wales, Welsh, British, European and world champions.

The club began life when Ernie and his team of gymnasts and trampolinists were invited to perform at the opening ceremony of Deeside Leisure Centre in 1973.

The club stayed at the centre until 1986 before moving to the Hawarden Institute where they remained for five years. They then moved to the former Co-Op buildings in Queensferry, which became home for 10 years.

With the club thriving and the demand for places high, they returned to the leisure centre and have been there ever since. The club has had numerous British champions in women’s artistic gymnastics, sports acrobatics and tumbling gymnastics, including European Team Tumbling gold medalist Sharnah Evans in 2011.

Ernie and fellow coach and club stalwart Joy Sumner said: “We would like to take this opportunity to thank all their dedicated team of coaches, young sports leaders and volunteers that have been involved in the club over the past 40 years, without whom the club would not have been so successful. Here’s to the next 40 years.”

Anyone interested in getting involved in club can do so by contacting Joy on 07771 399747.

Joy has shared this selection of pictures from the club’s archive with the Chronicle. Can you recognise yourself on any of these pictures? Let us know and share your memories of your time at the club.