A leading team of Scandinavian gymnasts showcased their skills in the north-east last night.
The Danish Institute of Gymnastics performed at the Deveron Community and Sports Centre in Banff.
It was part of the display team’s world tour which marks their 25th anniversary.
During that time they have visited more than 60 countries with more two million people seeing the group dance, tumble and balance.
Members of the Danish Institute of Gymnastics have been staying at the Portsoy Sail Loft and have also been treated to performances by local musicians in the town’s Salmon Bothy and a trip to Macduff Marine Aquarium.
They have also been passing on their tips to youngsters from local schools at a series of workshops.
Jorgen Krebs, a spokesman for the team, said it was important for the gymnasts to pass on their knowledge to the next generation.
He said: “In Denmark gymnastics is much more than a sport, it is a way of life.
“The National Danish Performance Team (NDPT) has been touring the world for 25 years and in 2019 we celebrate the 25th anniversary.
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“In this time, we have visited over 60 countries with more than two million people having seen the show worldwide.
“As well as the main performance, members of the team have been visiting local schools and sharing our vision of empowering the pupils to move, dance, exercise, eat right and play well.”
Councillor Anne Simpson, vice chairwoman of the local authority’s culture and sport sub-committee, is hopeful the Danish team’s showcase in Banff can inspire more of us to consider gymnastics as a hobby.
She said: “We are delighted to welcome such a prestigious sports team to Aberdeenshire and hope that they can help inspire our young people with their teachings and us all with their performances.
“Gymnastics has a very strong base in Aberdeenshire already and we recognise gymnastics as a sport which is fundamental to physical activity for children.
“Hopefully the Danes can show us that gymnastics is not a sport which has to stop at the end of childhood.”
