THREE gymnastic stars have been selected to represent Scotland at the Commonwealth Games after being trained by a top Inverclyde ballet teacher.

Julie Gunn, owner of Elite Academy of Dance in Greenock, spent over two years working closely with the artistic gymnasts to incorporate some classic ballet moves into their daring beam and floor routines.

The talented trio — Amy Regan, Carly Smith and Julie’s cousin Cara Kennedy — are now set to perform their breathtaking ballet inspired routines on the world stage at competitions in the SECC Precinct.

An ecstatic Julie is proud as punch to have helped them towards their goal and will be there at the Games to cheer them on.

Modest Julie said: “I am thrilled I have played a small part with the gymnasts’ development and to have all three selected for games squad is fantastic.

“They are so talented.

“I wish them every success and I am sure they will do Scotland proud.” The 24-year-old from Gourock, who is a Royal Academy of Dance trained ballet teacher, spent time with the gymnasts working on their posture, balance, co-ordination and flexibility.

She said: “My cousin Cara has dreamed of performing at the Commonwealth Games since she was about three years old when she first started, so it was great to work with her and the other girls.

“I will be seeing them before the event to give them some last minute tips.

“I’ve got tickets, so I’ll be really nervous for them.” Cara says Julie has been an invaluable asset since helping the squad she belongs to.

She said: “I mentioned Julie to my club coach who thought it would be great to finish floor and beam routines with some classical ballet routines.

“I believe it has helped us all.

“At this level it’s all about adding small margins to our work.” After the Games, Cara has pledged to come to Inverclyde to help train up the next generation of gymnastic stars.

Julie said: “Cara will be coming to Elite Academy to do some basic gymnastic coaching while she prepares for the 2018 Commonwealth Games in Australia.” Teacher Julie’s Greenock studio opened five years ago and she has two pupils at the Dance School of Scotland plus four students who attend the prestigious Scottish Ballet Associate Scheme.