Leila Rew and Grace Dicks have spent the past few weeks practicing and perfecting their routines with teacher Ms Skye Vickers ahead of their first competition back post COVID lockdown.

Leila entered in eight categories and came home with seven placings including three first places and Grace entered in four categories and took home three placings.

"The competition was challenging," said Skye. "The girls competed back to back routines with little time to change and refocus on the next routine.

"It differed to usual as all competitors and their spectators were asked to wear masks and not many chairs were placed in the auditorium hall, all kept at one and a half meters apart.

"The competition level was still very high and challenging as there has been less opportunity for kids to compete this year giving some competitors additional time to perfect their routines," Skye continued.

"It was lovely to see what the Hunter region has to offer and the talent that is around.

"They are both superstars in our eyes and of all the challenges they have faced this year from injury to isolation they have shown us how much dedication and resilience they have developed.

"Some of their routines were learnt entirely via zoom (online) during the lockdown period which is a pretty spectacular achievement on it's own as anyone who continued activities online during that time would completely understand that enormity of that challenge.

"We are super proud of them and all their achievements. It's not about the placings for us, it's about the journey and the lessons they learn on the way and these girls are shaping up to be strong, confident young women."