A coach at the Tooting Gymnastics Club is "honoured" to have been nominated for a national award for her outstanding contribution to gymnastics.

Mary Wright, who was awarded a British Empire Medal (BEM) on the New Year's Honours list, was nominated for the National Education Award by British Gymnastics.

She was nominated for her involvement in the Preschool Panel.

The Preschool Panel was set up over ten years ago as a body to advise and oversee preschool gymnastics education across the country.

Thanks to her continued involvement and expertise in pre-school gymnastics classes, Mary was invited to sit on the panel in a volunteer capacity.

Mary said: "I feel excited and honoured to have been nominated and shortlisted for the British Gymnastics National Coach Education Award.

“I have always felt privileged to be part of the British Gymnastics Preschool Panel and have thoroughly enjoyed the work and opportunities that has been involved in this role.

"I feel very proud of the work that we have provided over the years and to be nominated for this award demonstrates that British Gymnastics recognises all the hard work, dedication, inspiration and expertise that the Panel has provided over the last ten years or so.

“I feel very passionate and enthusiastic about Preschool Gymnastics and British Gymnastics have always been supportive and share my enthusiasm and are a great Governing Body to work with."

Jane Allen, Chief Executive of British Gymnastics said: “I’m thrilled that Mary and the rest of the Preschool Panel has been recognised for their hard work over the years.

"Without the contribution of members like Mary, our sport wouldn’t be what it is today. It’s important we recognise the extraordinary contribution of these amazing members.

"They are great heroes of gymnastics and we are very grateful for the contribution they make.”