Brighton and Hove tumbling champion Mark Poore has been praised for his loyalty to the club.

The 16-year-old triumphed at the club championships and also coached other gymnasts to titles at St Agnes Church Hall, Hove.

Poore is a former national champion, but has continued to compete for Brighton and Hove and help the youngsters, even though the premises are small and facilities inadequate.

Head coach Ann Martin said: "I'm convinced, and I don't say this lightly, that Mark Poore could become an England international if he had the right training facilities. It's not fair on him. But he has stayed with us and is putting something back."

The club has already produced one England tumbling international, but Hannah Richardson moved out of the county because she needed better facilities.

Poore said: "I still want to be a top international gymnast but I haven't got the time or money to travel. I love working with the kids. It gives me a real buzz."

Martin was thrilled with the encouraging number of older children who took part in the competition at the weekend. She said: "They've kept with the sport and also want to coach. It is vital to keep the continuity and ensure the long term future of Brighton and Hove.

"When kids who have been with clubs from the age of seven get to their teenage years they can drift away with all the distractions that are around.

"I think the fact they carry on with us reflects the spirit that we have in an environment of support and encouragement.

"It is why our Championships are the biggest in Sussex, more than 200 gymnasts competed, from six to 17-year-olds."

The club has faced plenty of battles during its 18-year history. The base at St Agnes Church Hall, which they used to share with Albion when the football club was at the Goldstone, is cramped and equipment has been tatty, although it is now improving.

They have been unable to find an alternative venue.

Martin added: "We've continued to thrive against the odds. There were about 300 parents spectating at the Championships. We had a wonderful day.

"In all we've got 700 club gymnasts, mums and minis sessions for one-year-olds upwards, plus special schools pupils who are part of the set-up. We've probably got about 1,000 gymnasts coming through our doors each week."

The club raised £1,300 during the Championships which will be spent on equipment and insurance firm Legal and General have become involved in a £5,000 deal through Debbie Woolston, whose daughter Jessica won a gold medal.

Debbie said: "I believe in sport for all and the club does a lot of work for the community so I suggested Legal and General helped. It has given the gym a new lease of life and it has been so good for Jessica. I think the city should try and help the club by finding premises reflecting its city status."

Coach Richard Keasley believes the Championships give youngsters a starting point.

He said: "Maybe some will go to the Olympics and some will not go any further but at least they've got a platform to find their level."

Alison Novis and Becci Healey are the best of British.

Alison, 20, and Becci, 11, secured the women's pairs title at the British sports acro tournament in Nottingham.

The Uckfield club duo defeated the reigning British champions Elizabeth Oliver and Catrina Marshall from Surrey. Alison, from Brighton, and Becci, from Chailey, have been a partnership for two years. Alison said: "It is the biggest thing we've ever won together."

Matt Bennett, 20, and Holly Freeman, 13, were fourth in the mixed pairs.