GYMNAST George Atkins is jumping for joy after being crowned national champion.

The nine-year-old, from Thundersley, impressed in all eight of his routines at Birmingham’s GMAC Centre.

But George’s mother Gabby said the Robert Drake Primary School pupil was still surprised to have won the level one elite competition.

“George went there hoping to finish in the top three and he couldn’t believe it when he won,” said Gabby.

“Everyone always tells me how humble he is and it’s true so he was over the moon to have won, especially as it means he will be on the pathway platform at Lilleshall.”

George qualified for the event by impressing at regional level and was able to continue his fine form.

The youngster excelled on the high bars, the parallel bars, floor, rings and vault plus in two other routines he was required to perform as part of the competition.

But George is already back in training at the South Essex Gymnastics Club in Basildon where he regularly sees double Olympic champion Max Whitlock in action.

“George is often at the gym at the same time as Max and he’s definitely his role model,” said Gabby.

“He’s coached by Anthony Wise which is great and to be able to get so close to an Olympic champion like Max plus all the other internationals gymnasts there is absolutely brilliant.

“It’s very inspiring for George and he would love to go on and follow in their foot-steps.

“He’s very committed to his training and he works very hard so it was really good to see that come off at the nationals.”

George’s excellent displays - which included a perfect 10 on the vault - also helped the East Region secure gold in the team competition.

Alfie Bartley and Jamie Langridge, also from the South Essex club, produced a series of fine performances.

And that left coach Wise delighted.

“Team gold is an incredible achievement, and also well done to George, Jamie and Alfie individually for some terrific performances,” said Wise.

“Jamie got fourth place overall but if it had not been for a mistake he would’ve finished second.

“Alfie performed really well across all pieces too and was a great team leader, while George became national champion which is a fantastic achievement.”

“George’s first year of competition has been amazing with three big national competitions, three wins, and three targets achieved.”