GYMNASTS from Malvern Hills Gymnastic Club have returned after a successful visit to the 15th Kefalonian Gymnastics Festival.

They are already planning a return visit next year with a larger team.

Audiences were highly impressed by the quality of the Malvern gymnasts' performance, including back flips and somersaults unmatched even by much older gymnasts from other teams.

Part of the success was in how readily club members mixed with gymnasts from other countries. They were highly praised by the festival organisers for being such excellent ambassadors for British gymnastics.

After the close of the festival, the gymnasts enjoyed a much-deserved holiday, visiting many of the island's attractions, swimming and shopping.

Head coach Brian Barson said: "It was a wonderful experience for the gymnasts and the coaches. We are all looking forward to our return visit next year."

The club is currently raising funds for a purpose built gymnastics centre, in partnership with the Malvern Girl's College, with the first international gym festival to be held in Malvern expected soon.