A SCHOOLGIRL is jumping for joy after winning a prestigious trampoline competition.

Tilly Hodgkins, from Widnes, has been named north west under 10 girls trampoline champion for 2017.

The nine-year-old qualified for the final after winning first place in the north west closed competition for trampoline and double mini trampoline.

Earlier this year the St John Fisher Catholic Primary School pupil took part in the Trampoline and Tumbling British Championship.

She won a bronze medal after coming third in the double mini trampoline under 10 girls category.

Her mum Clare, from Halton View, said: “As soon as she started to walk she began going to a mother and toddler gymnastics club.

“She chose trampolining when she was five and she has built up from there.”

Performing in front of thousands of spectators at the Echo Arena in Liverpool for the British Championship was a big achievement.

“She walked out as the youngest girl,” said Clare. “It takes some guts to do trampolining as it is quite risky.

“Tilly takes it all in her stride.”

The young athlete trains for around 15 hours a week and is a member of City of Liverpool Gymnastics Club.

She has been selected to represent her club in the Cascais Beach Cup in Portugal in February next year.

Tilly will be competing in trampoline, double mini trampoline and synchronised trampoline with her partner.

“It is a commitment,” added Clare. “But she just enjoys it and is very determined.

“I think we should celebrate the achievements of young people as much as we can.

“Her school is very good and lets her train one afternoon a week.

“Tilly wants to teach and become a coach.”

Her ambition is shared with her sister Molly, who competes in gymnastics and attends the same club.

The 11-year-old recently came fifth in the north west individual gymnastics competition at national junior three level.

Molly competed on all four disciplines, floor, beam, bars and vault.