A NORTHWICH gymnastics coach will leap into a global gymnastics competition taking place in Portugal.

Alisha Evanson is to represent Great Britain in next week’s Loulé Cup International which will see 600 of the world’s best gymnasts compete in the disciplines of trampoline and tumbling.

It is second time around for the 22-year-old tumbler, who came away with an individual bronze and a team silver in the competition last year.

Evanson, a coach at Cheshire Gymnastics, is on the Great British squad for a discipline which involves acrobatic handsprings down a 25-metre long sprung track in front of judges who look for the perfect landing.

She was ranked fifth at the World Age Group Championships in the 17-21 age category last year.

In Portugal she will be up against other top tumblers from 19 countries.

Talented Evanson also has a degree in fashion design from the University of Chester and likes to design leotards when she has time away from her training schedule.

She added: “I hope to have my own leotard brand one day.

"It’s an honour to represent my country and I hope to be selected for the senior world championship team in 2025 but it’s also good to have training for a fashion career under my belt.”

Returning to the Algarve this year was in the balance due to costs.

But now her bags are packed after Cheshire breakfast company Mornflake came to the rescue with help towards travel.

Evanson said: “Unfortunately, in the gymnastics discipline I participate in, there is very little to no funding and therefore in order to represent my country it costs me large amounts of money.

"I reached out to Mornflake and they very kindly offered support. It’s a great fit as I love their porridge. It’s the one thing I can face on competition days and it gives me the energy I need.”

Mornflake, millers of ‘Mighty Oats’ in Cheshire since 1675, welcomed Alisha to their mill in Crewe where she was presented with her sponsorship as well as breakfast products.

The firm’s support of athletes has covered many genres over the years from international rowing and hockey teams to gym clubs and karate classes.

Mornflake managing director James Lea said: “Nature offers a fantastic natural energy source in oats and we love finding ways to promote them for good health.

“The fact that a local gymnast includes them in her daily diet is testament to that. We are delighted to see our name connected with the event in Portugal and wish Alisha all the best.”