CHAMPION Tumbler Lannece Hole was recognised for overcoming a tricky start in life to excel in her sport.

She was among those honoured at the 2014 Pride of Somerset Youth Awards.

She was adopted aged three and after settling into her new family started attending gymnastics lessons.

Her coach Barry Phelan spotted a talent – and her hard work and dedication has done the rest.

Now aged 12, she is a regional and British Gymnastic National Development Plan tumbling champion and has recently been selected for the South West Regional Tumbling Squad.

The nomination for Lannece, of Bower Hinton, near Martock, read: “She throws herself into all sports at school but it is her gymnastic success that makes her stand out.

“She is a role model to other young people and certainly others who have been through the care system.”

“She is a fantastic individual with a motivation to succeed in both sport and academia that is admirable.”

The awards are run by the Rotary Club of Taunton, your Somerset County Gazette, Bridgwater Mercury, Chard and Ilminster News, Burnham and Highbridge Weekly News and local radio station BBC Somerset.

A prize fund came from sponsorship from the Rotary Club, Avon and Somerset Constabulary, Somerset Cricket Museum and Devon and Somerset Fire and Rescue Service.

Certificates were presented at Somerset College’s conference centre in Taunton, which was provided free by the college.

To watch video footage from the ceremony, which took place on March 7, see below.