BRINN Bevan is in phenomenal shape heading into the first ever European Games, according to his coach at the South Essex Gymnastics Club Scott Hann.

The Thundersley based gymnast will be lining up for Great Britain in Azerbaijan next week.

And Hann believes Bevan could not be in better shape ahead of what he expects to be an extremely tough competition.

“Most of the top dogs in Europe will be there so the standard will be very high but Brinn is looking good and has been phenomenal in training,” said Hann.

“After such a hectic year last year with the World Championships and Commonwealth Games, Great Britain has decided to go with a very young team but it’s a fantastic opportunity for them all.

“It’s a chance for them to establish seedings and to also make a real mark.”

Fellow youngsters Nile Wilson and Frank Baines have joined 17-year-old Bevan in the Great Britain squad.

But they will need to be at their best to work their way through to the final due to the way the competition has been structured.

“It’s only the top six who get through to the final on each apparatus so it’s going to be very hard to take it by storm,” said Hann.

“It’s the top 16 who make it through to the all-around final but it’s going to be a fantastic experience for them all.”

Bevan, a former Deanes School pupil, will celebrate his 18th birthday while out in Baku.

And he cannot wait to line up in the event which is being televised on BT Sport.

“I’m proud to be a part of the first ever event and with Frank and Nile on the team too it will be awesome,” said Bevan.

“We are good friends and it’s great to have a strong team and support network behind you.

“My aim is to go and do my best and if finals and medals come from it then that’s fantastic but for me it’s just to go and show myself as a senior for the first time at a big competition. “