Held in Inverell on Saturday, the five champions aged from nine to 13, Leonie Gawthorpe, Stephanie Stone, Kathryn Brogan, and Ashley and Elle Callaghan came up against 40 other gymnasts from Inverell, Lightning Ridge, Armidale and Lismore.

Lightning Ridge general gymnastics coach Andrew Sweatman said the girls had to compete at their level and show skills using a ribbon, clubs and a hoop as well as having to carry out a routine with a ball, free-hand and rope.

He said the result was magnificent considering the girls had only been training in rhythmic gymnastics since the start of the year when it was formally incorporated at the local club.

Mr Sweatman said all the girls did really well, with Stephanie Stone receiving an overall first, and six-year-old Talitha Sweatman, who wasn't able to compete for regional champion because she was too young, passing all her exams.

"I think it (rhythmic gymnastics) is much more interesting for the girls, it is a real co-ordination thing.

"The gymnasts have to move across the floor using apparatus, which is good for their eye-hand co-ordination."

He said rhythmic gymnastics also tended to have a longer life span than most other forms, with some people who started doing it as kids taking it well into their adulthood.

The six regional qualifiers will compete for state titles in Sydney next month against 12 other regions.

The Lightning Ridge Gymnastics Club is currently in training for the workshop and rhythmic gymnastics course to be held at the end of the month.