GYMNASTICS: SANDBACH Gymnastics youngster Amy Taylor was beaten to the North West crown by the narrowest of margins as she qualified for the National Finals in November.

The 10-year-old, having won the gold medal in the beam and silver medals in the floor and bars at the regional finals, was pipped to first overall by less than one hundredth of a mark.

But it was enough to ensure that Amy will represent the North West in the National Finals at Guildford for the fourth year running, another major step in her development as she bids to become an Olympic star of the future.

Sandbach Gymnastics coach Pete Aldous said: 'Amy is a very hard-working girl. She trains 25 hours a week, like most of our members, and is very dedicated.

'We are hoping she will finish in the top 10 again at the nationals, where she has been for the last couple of years.

'If she stays on that route, by the time the 2012 London Olympics come around, she could be one of the contenders as she will be just the right age. But, of course, there is a long way to go between now and then.'

Amy was joined at the regional finals by team-mates Carrie Smith and Hannah McBride, who also put in great performances to finish 7th and 8th.

The Guildford showpiece is Amy's second bite at national competition this year, having also performed at the Stoke Nationals in May.

Her Great Britain ranking will be determined from her combined performance at both national events.

Amy's team-mate Nicole Watson, also 10, wowed judges at Stoke in May as she stormed to first place and claimed a place in the Great Britain team.