LISBON is the destination for a troupe of young Madresfield gymnasts who are representing the country at the world's largest sporting spectacle.

Staff and gymnasts from the Madresfield Movement Club will be travelling to Portugal as part of the Great Britain entry in the World Gymnaestrada.

The three stafff members and six gymnasts have been training hard since January for the event, which takes place every four years.

Great Britain is taking a team of 300 gymnasts to compete in the large displays.

Louise Russell-Pavier, Alicia Bennett, Rhiannon D'Arcy, Laura Bartlett, Isobel Henderson and Elizabeth Bennett make up the Madresfield contingent, accompanied by Sandra Dennis, Derry Lee and club leader Alice Bennett.

"It is wonderful that members from such a small rural club have been included in this exciting sporting opportunity," said Bennett.

"It will provide the gymnasts with a wonderful experience of training and taking part in a national team event, representing their country abroad and taking part in the biggest sporting event in the world."

The World Gymnaestrada is a celebration of international gymnastics rather than a competitive event, and involves over 23,000 gymnasts from across the globe. The Great Britain team will be departing on Saturday, July 19 and returning on Sunday, July 27.