A TRAMPOLINING star from Chatham is preparing for a return to the world stage after being selected for the Great Britain squad in next month’s World Championships.

Gary Smith, who came seventh in the Athens Olympics in 2004, secured his place in the squad after winning the last of three national trials events, held in Loughborough.

The 26-year-old will compete in the men’s individual event at the championships in Quebec.

A top 16 finish by any of the British team will secure a place for one Team GB competitor in Beijing 2008, and Smith said: "I was really pleased with my routines. Some were the best I’ve done all season."

Smith trains at the Jumpers Rebound Centre Gillingham, where he is also a coach.

Fellow Gillingham jumper Jason Plowman has been named as the reserve for the GB team for the Double Mini Trampoline event at the World Championships.