A BASILDON-BASED gymnast has won her first international call up for Great Britain following a string of excellent performances.

Halle Hilton, 13, will represent her country at the Olympic Hopes competition in the Czech Republic in November.

The Woodlands School pupil has thrived as part of the Basildon school’s Elite Player Development programme, led by Jon Bonnett, the head of elite sport and development.

And dad Darren said it was a great chance for Halle to make an impression.

“It will be a great opportunity for her,” he said. “It is a chance for Halle to gain experience on the international stage in preparation for the Junior European Championship next year.

“Halle trains alongside the likes of Amy Tinkler and Max Whitlock, and she gets her inspiration from guys like this.

“It is a fitting reward for her consistent performances in her year group and a result of hard work in training.”

Halle is now preparing for a team training camp on Monday, October 30 and Tuesday, October 31 at Lillieshall National Sports Centre, in preparation for the competition.

The following day, a team of five girls will travel to the Czech Republic for the start of the competition.

The South Essex Gymnastics Club member is in fine form in the run-up to the event, securing a bronze medal at the Regional Team Championships in Surrey last weekend.

Halle competed full routines on the beam and vault, taking bronze in the latter, with only senior gymnasts bettering her in both events.