A gymnastics school has launched a fundraising page to ensure a young gymnast gets the chance to compete.

Amaranta Chavez, 16, is the subject of a new fundraising campaign to help her fulfil her dreams of becoming a world-class rhythmic gymnast.

She trains with London Academy of Gymnastics and Dance (LAGAD), in Muswell Hill, who launched to campaign as she is not always able to afford to compete or meeting the costs of training.

Miss Chavez received funding from British Gymnastics and the GLL Sport Foundation, but was still receiving free training from LAGAD in order for her to meet the demands of training and competing at the top level.

As this was not sustainable, the page has been set up so the community can help her achieve her dreams.

Director of LAGAD, Jessica Shenton, said: "Our former head coach came running into my office one day and said you have to come and see this girl she is just so talented. We were blown away by her potential.

"She is just exquisite to watch and is absolutely driven to do her best.

"She has great talent, dedication, determination and drive, but not enough money and this fund would allow her to train without fear."

Miss Chavez trains for 20 hours a week but has had to miss vital training overseas due to the expense.

She said: "My dream and my main aim is to win medals for my country internationally at competitions like the World Cup and the World Championships and also if I have enough funding I would love to be able to train towards the Olympic Games."

Her single mother, Therese Chavez, said any help received would lift a lot of financial pressure from the home.

She said: "The travel, training and competitions nationally and internationally cost a lot of money. I try and support her but we need to raise more funds to allow her to access all the training she needs."

A spokesman from the GLL Sport Foundation, who part-support Miss Chavez, said the foundation operates to a specific criteria and aims to contribute to an athlete's funding, but not provide their sole source of funding so they can spread the foundation's resources more widely.

The spokesman said: "It is estimated that an athlete competing at international level is paying over £6,000 per annum to train and compete in their sport. It is therefore usual for athletes to garner funding from a number of different sources.

"In 2017 Amaranta Chavez was eligible for and received a £200 ‘top up’ award as a supplement to the grant she received from British Gymnastics."

The foundation aims to provide extra funding to athletes from all backgrounds to help them achieve the goals.

To support Miss Chavez's appeal, please visit: https://www.justgiving.com/crowdfunding/amaranta