DINBURGH Ai confirmed her place as one of the best young rhythmic gymnasts in the country after finishing eighth in a national competition.

The Year Three pupil at Bolton School Junior Girls' School did her best work in the rope discipline, claiming fifth place in the under-9s Grade Four category at the Rhythmic Gymnastics National Grade Finals.

She also finished 10th in the free routine to confirm eighth place overall.

A spokesman for Bolton School Girls' Division said: "Although Dinburgh didn’t achieve her best scores on the day, she nonetheless enjoyed herself in her first nation-wide competition.

"She hopes to continue progressing in the future."

In rhythmic gymnastics, competitors have the choice to use one or two pieces of apparatus as part of their routine – rope, hoop, ball, clubs, ribbon and freehand.

Dinbugh specialises in the rope. The nine-year-old competed in a European competition in Athens earlier this year, placing fourth in the rope competition. She has also competed at a regional level on previous occasions.