Dreams of building a state-of-the-art gymnastics centre in Helston have taken a "huge step forward" after Kerrier planners gave a thumbs-up to the £1 million project.

A planning application submitted by the Swallows of Helston for a new gym on land near Helston football club has been supported by the authority's planning officers, who said the proposed location was "ideal".

There are still some details to be ironed out, including aspects of the building's appearance, landscaping, access and opening hours, but the club is hopeful such issues can be successfully resolved.

Carey Kaack, who is leading the project for the new gym, said: "We hope that common sense will prevail over a couple of the restrictions and we are confident we will be able to move on to the next stage. This is regarded as a huge step forward.

"The present building is just too small - the ceilings are too low and space is limited. This prevents some gymnasts achieving their full potential, which is very frustrating.

"We are closer than we have ever been to securing a building suitable to our needs. The club has gone from strength to strength and it would be fantastic, in this our 30th year, if we could enhance our community with this fine facility."

The club, which has around 600 members, has long been keen to move from its current base on the Water-ma-Trout industrial estate.

For full report see this weeks Helston Packet