BRITISH champion trampoline gymnast Lara Craig from Musselburgh was in action to mark the official opening of the town’s £1.5 million trampolining arena on Sunday.

Jump In has created 65 jobs at the new centre at Newhailes Industrial Estate.

Lara, 22, who is British champion at level eight, gave a live demonstration watched by hundreds of families.

The 23,000 sq ft site is the second in Scotland, following the successful launch of the company’s park in Aberdeen last year.

The park in Musselburgh has more than 50 interconnected trampolines, a battle beam, tumble track, dodgeball court, giant air bag, foam pit, drop slide, an interactive wall game and a cafe.

It also runs various parent and toddler sessions, disco nights, student events and is available for birthday parties and corporate hire.

Over the next couple of months, fitness classes are to be introduced, as well as sensory sessions for families with children with additional support needs which can help them to acquire new motor skills, improve coordination and increase stamina.

Gavin Lucas, Jump In CEO, said: “We are absolutely delighted to open our second site in Scotland and create so many new jobs for the local area.

“The feedback so far has been fantastic not only from kids but from parents too, who love being able to join in the fun with their kids.”

Lara, whose dad Bruce is a trampolining coach at Musselburgh Sports Centre, is a former pupil at Burgh Primary School and Musselburgh Grammar School.

Lara said: “It is really exciting to have a trampolining arena in Musselburgh.”

Ward councillor John Williamson, who visited with his two-year-old granddaughter on Monday, described it as “an exciting new facility”.

He said: “I am sure Jump In will be a very popular place for kids of all ages to go and have some fun.”

But he added: “Jump In is marketed as being ‘Edinburgh’s most exciting trampoline park’ and being on the ‘doorstep of Fort Kinnaird and Portobello’. It’s a pity that Musselburgh, where Jump In is actually located, does not feature.”

Fellow ward councillor Stuart Currie said: “From the feedback I have had it is already becoming popular and I hope to see it establish itself as a great venue.”

Councillor Katie Mackie added: “I am positive this new venue will boost the local economy by encouraging visitors to the town and creating new job opportunities.”

Irene Tait, chairwoman of Musselburgh and Inveresk Community Council, added: “I think this is good for the town.”