A TALENTED young gymnast is jumping for joy as he prepares to represent Great Britain in a high-profile sporting competition.

Harvey Mullan, who is in fifth year at St Columba's High School in Gourock, will be part of the junior men's team at the European TeamGym Championships in Luxembourg in September.

Harvey, 16, from Wemyss Bay, has been with Largs Gymnastics Club since he was just seven and his success marks him out as the first member of the club to represent his country in this contest.

Harvey says he can't wait to travel to Luxembourg and take on the challenge.

He told the Tele: "I'm very proud to be involved and really excited about it.

"I started competing when I was about 11 and love meeting people from all over the world.

"There's always a really good atmosphere at the competitions."

Last year, Harvey travelled to Portugal for TeamGym's Scottish performance programme as part of the second team.

After the competition, he mentioned to his coach that he wanted to try out for the main team.

In April this year, the young athlete travelled down to Crewe and after competing he was selected to represent GB.

Organised by the Luxembourg Gymnastics Federation, the competition will see athletes from all over Europe battle it out at the Coque Sport Centre.

Harvey will be required to perform artistic and rhythmic gymnastics, across floor, tumble and trampette disciplines.

Between now and the start of the competition, he will take part in 13 training sessions.

Harvey hopes to continue his gymnastics success well into the future.

He added: "I would love to be a professional athlete one day and to represent Team GB in the Olympics."

Harvey is now looking for sponsorship to help with the costs associated with the competition.

Jackie Leck, acting faculty head for health and wellbeing at St Columba's, said the school supported Harvey when he went to Portugal last year and they will back him again.

They're also keen for local businesses and organisations to get in touch if they can provide any further help.

Jackie said: "The whole school is very proud of Harvey.

"He's a great ambassador for St Columba's school and handles his talent and his success really well.

"He's very conscientious, very dignified and pleasant."

*To find out more about sponsorship opportunities, call Jackie at the school on 01475 715250.