GYMNASTICS star Laura Edwards is hoping 2012 will be a year to remember.

The Brockenhurst College student is expected to be in the GB Gymnastics team at London 2012 after helping ensure qualification at the World Championships in Tokyo.

“We would have had a second chance in January but were really happy to qualify first time,” says Laura. “I didn’t have the best trials to get into the competition but it was amazing how well the team did to qualify.”

Laura is now preparing to perform individually at next month’s London 2012 test event at the O2 arena. After that she will be focused on the English Championships at the beginning of March.

“I’m training regularly at the gym and will try and get all my new skills out and perform consistently and confidently in the new year,” she said. Laura, 17, was one of seven GB gymnasts who achieved London 2012 qualification in Tokyo, but there will only be five places available in the Olympic team.

“I just have to have good trials and see what happens,” said Laura.

“After the English Championships we’ve got the first of three trials in April.”

The GB team in Tokyo included Beth Tweddle, British champion Hannah Whelan, Bristolian Imogen Cairns, Nottingham-based Rebecca Downie and three 17-year-olds in Laura, Jennifer Pinches and Danusia Francis.

“Becky Downie tore her Achilles but was able to do the worlds and hopefully Nicole Hibbert will also be OK after tearing her ACL last March,” Laura continued. “We’re very strong, there’s a lot of depth in GB gymnastics and new gymnasts are coming through so I’ve just got to stay injury-free and focused.”

Laura trains six days a week under the tutelage of Keith and Debbie Richardson at Dynamo School of Gymnastics in Hamble.