A NEW gymnastics club has opened in an empty industrial unit in WGC.

Valdez Gymnastics Club has opened its second Hertfordshire gymnasium in a former MOT test centre in South Mundells – and is already attracting huge interest from would-be gymnasts looking to perfect their skills.

But head coach Holly Thompson-Bardett says there is still plenty of space for children of all ages and abilities to come and join in.

In its first week, more than 150 children visited the new venue – proof, according to Holly, that a gymnastics studio is long overdue in the town.

“There’s a really big demand for a gym, and it’s a demand that wasn’t being met,” said Holly, 37.

“We opened without any advertising, and we had 150 kids come and visit.”

Planning permission was granted late last year, in what was hailed as a “triumph of common sense” as Welwyn Hatfield Council’s planning control committee overturned officer’s recommendations to refuse Holly’s application.

“The council’s been really helpful, I can’t fault them,” said Holly, from Oaklands.

“Raising funds for all the equipment has been tricky, but we’ve finally done it.”

Valdez Gymnastics Club has been running for nine years, and has another gym in Bishops Stortford, with more than 700 members.

Now, the club will bring the same standard of training to WGC, offering a �40,000 sprung floor and Olympic-standard equipment to children aged four to 17, as well as classes for mums and toddlers.

“What you see is what you get,” Holly said.

“There’s no hidden extras, all prices include insurance, award books, medals and trophies. And we’ve still got plenty of spaces.”