CHAMPION gymnasts are giving free displays of their skills to under fives and their families in a bid to encourage children to exercise.

The two free performances by British Champion Rhythmic Gymnasts Francesca Jones and Keziah Gore will mark the launch of the Fun and Fitness Scheme aimed at pre-school children.

Local children, parents, playgroups and nurseries are being invited to join the free Fun-day at Alexandra Palace on Wednesday.

There are two free 90-minute sessions at 10.30am and 1pm and children must be accompanied by an adult.

As well as the gymnastic demonstrations by the two bright prospects for the 2012 Olympics, Haven FunStar entertainers and characters Rory the Tiger and Anxious Elephant will be on hand to lead children in games and dances.

Behind the campaign is Haven Holidays which is providing free sports equipment to nurseries and playgroups.

Each chest of free equipment, worth more than £100, contains soft foam flyers, scoops and balls, bean bags, throwdowns and a floor parachute.

Naomi Woodstock of Haven Holidays said: "This is one of the biggest projects Haven has undertaken outside of our holiday parks but with the huge interest in sport generated by the Beijing Olympics and London hosting the 2012 Games, we believe this is the perfect time to encourage youngsters right from an early age.”

Francesca Jones and Keziah Gore, who are still in their teens themselves, started training at a young age and said they were keen to encourage other youngsters to get the exercise habit early.

For more information about the scheme click on www.havenfunfitness.com