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Two Harlow school girls are proving they are among the best in the country at trampolining.

Burnt Mill Academy students Shannon Waterman and Lois Tappenden represent their school in national competitions in the sport.

Year 8 Shannon, a member of Flight Trampoline Club, has qualified for the British Schools Gymnastics Association National Trampoline Finals which take place in March. She started trampolining at the age of six and came second in the country last year.

Shannon said: “I practise six times a week and hope to win the competition this year.”

Year 10 Lois, a member of Apex Trampolining Club, was crowned regional champion last year and also competed at the national finals.

The teenager trains three hours each week, having also taken part in the sport since the age of six.

The girls are at the forefront of the sport which is growing at their school.

Doug Hynd, head of PE, said: “Trampolining is now in the curriculum for students from Year 7 through to Year 11 at Burnt Mill.

“We believe we have seen a massive increase in interest in trampolining due to the arrival of trampoline parks in recent years. Students really engage with it and are eager to impress with their skills.

“The standards we have are high, but students like Shannon and Lois stand out above even that. We encourage students who show promise to get in touch with local trampoline clubs. Shannon’s mum is a coach and those links are really helpful for us. It’s great to see our students compete in national competitions in this way.”

But it’s not just competition success the school believes is important from the sport.

Mr Hynd said: “Trampolining improves all-round flexibility, co-ordination and balance and you can really see students build their confidence each lesson and throughout the years. That confidence then transfers to their demeanour around school and in other subjects.”