YOU'RE never too young to exercise — just look at these energetic youngsters.

Play gym is proving to the be the latest fitness trend amongst babies, aged 18 months and toddlers aged four.

They can be found balancing on the beam, to leaping in the air and practicing their gymnastic moves on the mat.

Play gym is run by Bolton Gymnastics on a drop-in basis for children at their centre in Summerfield Road, Bolton.

Co-director Jessica Walsh said: "We have been running play gym for three years.

"We have children coming regularly and some who just come in sometimes.

"Children crawl and climb anyway so have gymnastics especially for them in which they can do that in a safe environment.

"Our activities are based on the ABC — agility, balance and coordination.

"The children love it — you are too young to take up exercise and gymnastics is a great sport to start with."

Qualified coach, Miss Walsh, runs the club — which this year celebrates its tenth anniversary — with three other directors.

She said she has childminders bringing children to the gym as well as grandparents and other family members who look after the youngsters during the day.

The club is registered with British Gymnastics and has recently successfully bid for a grant from Sport England.

Miss Walsh said: "You can sport at an early age if a child has a talent — many will go on to join the older age groups."

She added that taking part in activities at this age develops good habits.

Since the success of the British Gymnastic teams at the London 2012 Games and the Commonwealth Games in Glasgow last year she had seen an increase in the numbers joining the club.

Miss Walsh said: "The age range at the club is from 18months to 60-plus."

For more information ring 01204 522089

See The Bolton News for more pictures.