And with older sister Becky watching, the Westdale Junior School pupil performed her voluntary work equally effectively.

Ellie has been training at Notts Gym Club since the age of five but this is the first year she has been able to compete nationally.

The youngster has been well supported by coach Jodie Kime, a former pupil at the at Rushcliffe Leisure Centre-based club, assisted by mum Linda Kime.

"It is a massive achievement by Ellie and I think she has been inspired by what Becky did in Beijing which is only two months ago," said Notts' head coach Claire Starkey, who watched Ellie's victory at Guildford.

"In all honesty, we prefer our gymnasts not to win too much, too early because it is hard to keep it going. When Becky herself was that age she only got a bronze medal before going on to get better and better.

"But at the same time, if someone is talented you shouldn't hold them back.

"I just hope Ellie keeps her feet on the ground and I'm sure Becky will help with that having the experience she has."

Comparisons between the two Downies are now inevitable but Starkey says it is difficult to say if the younger sibling can emulate her big sister's success.

She said: "She has similar attributes to Becky but there are some things that can be worked on such as her leg line.

"She is a good competitor and worker and, if anything, a bit more of an entertainer than Becky.

"Who knows how she will develop in the future but Ellie certainly has potential."

In a hugely successful weekend for Notts Gymnastics Club, Jordan Lipton, 15, won the Northern Europeans in Iceland.

Representing Scotland, the country of her birth, the Tollerton teenager was gold medallist on beam, won a silver on bars and took a bronze on floor.

The 2006 British Junior Champion's contribution was enough to help Scotland to third in the team event, the first time they had won a place on the podium.

Notts gymnasts were also in action in the British Championships with Caitlin Roberts sixth in the u-10s behind the younger Downie.

In the u-11s (level three) category, Sarahn Carmen claimed fourth place and Anya Ramsdale seventh.

And in the u-12s (level two) section, Kirsty Baldwin took six spot and Lillie Butterly 13th. Chenay Elson recorded the best score on bars.