YOUNG gymnast Kacey Lagden was the clear winner on the beam as she claimed an eastern region medal.

The nine-year-old from Rochford recorded a score of 12.40 to finish a point clear of her nearest rival in the eight to nine years category at the regional recreational apparatus finals in Ipswich.

Kacey got into gymnastics at Rochford Primary School where she joined the team run by PE teacher Kurt Mansell.

She also trains at the Swallow Gym Club in South Woodham Ferrers and took silver on the beam at the Essex competition to earn her place at Ipswich.

Kacey’s success was not the only cause for celebration in the Lagden household as mum Natasha won the 6k canicross race at Moors Valley in Dorset.

The Southend Athletic Club clocked 21:47 running with her one year old Labrador Alfie.

Her Southend club-mate Debbielyn Hallam used the event as part of her training for the Chelmsford 10k and was fourth lady on the day, running with Natasha’s 12-year-old Jack Russell Buster.