GYMNASTS are jumping with joy after receiving £50,000 to upgrade their car park.

Colchester School of Gymnastics has been campaigning for ten years to have its car park in Brinkley Grove Road resurfaced.

The car park is used by up to 2,000 members every week and is in a poor state of repair.

This grant has come at an opportune time and, with the help of Henderson and Taylor, a surfacing company, a plan has been put into place.

The plan had to be recognised by the Trustees of Enovert Community Trust and it can now go ahead.

The money has been gratefully received as the gymnastics school is a registered charity which has been running for more than 30 years solely upon fees and donations.

The club has been fundraising for more than ten years to complete the project.

Nikki Oakes, chairman of Colchester School of Gymnastics, said: “We are so excited we’re finally going to be able to get the car park done. It’s been a long time coming.

“A lot of time and effort was put into preparing this grant application, not least with the help of Matt Burridge from Henderson & Taylor who carefully planned an affordable solution to our problem, and we’re delighted Enovert Community Trust recognised the need for this.”

Enovert Community Trust awards grants to support community and environmental projects.

The trust distributes funds which are collected from a tax placed on the landfilling of waste.

Angela Haymonds, secretary of Enovert Community Trust, said: “The Trustees of ECT could appreciate the need for this project which will benefit so many people and which has been needed for such a long time.

“It is very pleasing to be able to support such a worthwhile project which will leave a lasting legacy for Colchester School of Gymnastics.”

Colchester councillors stepped up to sponsor the project.

The council also offered its support five years ago with a £280,000 grant from developer contributions when, due to high demand from the success of the 2012 Olympics, the club extended their property to build a second gym.

Software provider, LoveAdmin, which deals with members payments, also supported the project.

Colchester School of Gymnastics provides gymnastics classes to all, regardless of age, gender or ability.