Basildon-based gymnasts Nicola Willis and Danny Lawrence flew out today in search of world glory.

The duo, both members of the South Essex Club in Cranes Farm Road, are off to the United States for the World Championships, which begin in California on August 16.

For Danny it is a first ever world title bid, but 18-year-old Nicola attended the championships with the new town club's coach Rod Smith when they were last held, in Hungary two years ago.

Nicola was the English hero of last year's Commonwealth Games when her performance ensured that the home country earned a team silver in the Manchester event.

Published Friday, August 1, 2003

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