TONI Ledden will make history for the Ryedale Flames when she takes part in the national tumbling finals in Stoke-on-Trent this Saturday.

The 14-year-old, of St Augustine's School in Scarborough, will be the first gymnast to represent the Pickering-based club at a national individual event since it formed five and half years ago.

Toni qualified for the finals after winning her regional event in Dewsbury last month.

Her success comes on the back of the club's first team appearance at national level back in December. And coach Kevin Dekeyser revealed he believed there were more young Flames on the verge of making national competitions.

Toni said she was excited but a little nervous of her first venture into the big time. She is up against 12 other regional heat-winners in what is likely to be a gruelling competition, lasting up to 12 hours.

Each girl will perform two tumble runs, involving a combination of back-flips and somersaults. The top eight will then perform a third run.

Toni's aim was to finish in the top five but irrespective of the outcome, no one can fault her dedication. The youngster puts in up to 12 hours practice per week, which includes body conditioning to strengthen her muscles.

Toni, who also coaches some of the young Flames herself, said she sometimes had to sacrafice spending time with her friends but that the rewards were worth it.

Coach Kevin Dekeyser said: "I am very proud of her. She has shown potential from an early age and has worked really hard."

Updated: 10:46 Thursday, March 21, 2002