A GYMNASTICS club in the Wee County has been running digital sessions to keep talent fit and flexible during the coronavirus lockdown.

Alloa Amateur Gymnastics Club has been running sessions using Zoom five days a week since April and also organised a design a T-shirt competition which helped raise money for NHS Forth Valley.

Coaches have been bringing training right into the living room, or the garden, to make sure gymnasts keep up while also providing an opportunity for them to stay connected with friends.

The T-shirt design competition was judged by Commonwealth gymnast Shannon Archer, who put Ellen Findlay's creation on top of the podium.

Parents and members have since been able to buy the T-shirt themselves, raising £200 for local healthcare staff, which was matched by the club to bring it up to £400.

The online sessions have been proving valuable for the young people as well as parents alike and the club is looking to open up its offering to non-members.

Boys and girls between the ages of two and 18 are welcome to join, stay active by focusing on developing strength and flexibility while having a bit of fun.

Classes for the whole family are also starting up to get everyone involved in a fun way.

Indeed, some have already embraced the club's online challenges, which involved gymnastics, fitness, flexibility and a healthy dose of silliness.

Anna MacDonald, club manager, told the Advertiser: "The main thing is keeping the kids busy and active, making sure if they are okay just now.

"It's making sure they can keep up strength and conditioning, but it is about making sure that they can still communicate with us and they can communicate with their friends.

"The feedback has been amazing, we've had a couple of new members wanting to join.

"It keeps us busy as well, it's keeping me in a routine.

"I don't think I was as busy as this before the lockdown to be honest."

Parent Jude Deacons, whose daughter Erica has been enjoying the Zoom sessions, has also been impressed.

She told coaches: "Your commitment and offering to still provide the gymnasts with positive active opportunities to train during this time has been great.

"Keeping the connections has also been important.

"It has been so beneficial for Erica to still feel part of the gymnastics community when so many other aspects of her life have been put on hold."

Managing all the sessions, some five coaches, social media and the rest has been a challenging but rewarding task for Anna, especially "if the internet is on your side that day".

She added: "A big thank you to all our members for continuing to support the club, it's been quite overwhelming."

Non-members can email info@alloagymnasticsclub.co.uk for more information about classes.