Two young Hillingdon gymnasts, trained by a previous Britain's Got Talent winner, have won an international gold medal.

Team GB gymnasts, Callum Portugal-Walker, 17, and Keiran Blower, 12, from Hillingdon Gymnastics Club, won gold in the 12-18 years category at the 2016 Acrobatic Gymnastic World Championships in Putian, China.

The pair, whose club is based at Better’s Botwell Green Sports & Leisure Centre in Hayes , are trained for 19 hours a week by Alex Uttley, who won ITV talent show Britain’s Got Talent as the frontman of Spelbound.

Callum and Kieran, who are still in full-time education, underwent a gruelling selection process, performing at two World trial selection events, while also being reviewed on previous competition results and reputation to be selected for the championships.

Callum, 17, said: “Winning the world championships in China and representing my country is something that will stay with me forever.

“I can't thank everyone enough, especially my coaches for making all this possible.”

The team flew out to China for the start of the tournament on the March 23, displaying excellent technique, strength, style, determination and trust in their difficult routines to get through the qualification stages of the championships.

The pair went on to win gold, beating teams from Russia, Portugal, Ukraine, Belgium and France in the final.

They deserve the title of world champions, says trainer

Trainer Alex Uttley, former multiple British and World Champion, said: “Callum and Kieran took to the world stage for the first time with such professionalism.

“They kept calm and collected, performing to a bigger audience than they are used to.

“In the final, the pressure was on for them to maintain and perform their final routine.

“I’m very proud and happy for both boys - they have worked very hard and deserve the title of world champions”.

The 2016 Acrobatic Gymnastic World Championships in China are a self funded event.

The pair are receive financial support from the GLL Sport Foundation (GSF), the largest independent athlete support programme in the UK, operated by charitable social enterprise, GLL.

The programme works in partnership with national governing bodies of sport through the national charity SportsAid to support the next generation of sporting talent.

The foundation helped fund 59 athletes who competed at the London 2012 Olympic and Paralympic Games with 13 medals won between them.

Mr Uttley added: “Having funding through the GLL Sport Foundation helped the team get to China and win the gold which we are all very grateful for.”