SOUTH Essex Gymnastics Club’s director of coaching Scott Hann has spoken of his pride at a trio of his gymnasts receiving Great Britain call ups for the European Championships.

Double Olympic bronze medalist Max Whitlock has been selected in the senior squad for the event in Sofia later this month.

And joining him there will be youngsters Brinn Bevan and Jay Thompson, who have both been called up into the junior squad, much to the delight of Hann.

“I’m extremely happy and proud that all three of them have been selected, but they’ve all worked very hard and deserve it,” said Hann.

“It’s very good for us as a club, it shows we’re doing the right things and I hope all three of them will be able to make finals.”

Whitlock flies out to the event on Saturday for the first of a trio of major championships he hopes to compete in this season.

The 21-year-old will also be gunning for glory in the Commonwealth Games and the World Championships later this year. And Hann feels they will prove crucial for the youngster ahead of the 2016 Olympics in Brazil.

“The Europeans are a huge stepping stone for Max on the way to Rio,” said his coach.

“He won medals on the floor and on the horse at the last Europeans and he will also be looking to help the team retain their title.”

Hann will be heading out to the Championships and is also hoping to strong displays from both Bevan and Thompson.

“Brinn has done fantastically well again this year and there’s a lot riding on this for him because a strong performance could see him make the Youth Olympics which is a massive thing in gymnastics,” said Hann.

“Jay has come in to us from another club where he was struggling and he’s also done well.

“I think we will see good things from him and hopefully he can also make the final.”