A GYMNASTICS club has rebranded to address the “adverse resonance” its long-standing name had for some members.

The decision to drop the use of OLGA Gymnastics and Trampolining Club comes after discussions between BCP Council, Everyone Active and British Gymnastics over the continued use of the original name.

Former gym owner Brian Phelps was jailed for nine years in 2008 after admitting a catalogue of child sex abuse offences, which spanned a decade.

The Olympic diver, who was aged 64 at the time of conviction, pleaded guilty to 42 offences involving three young girls.

BCP Council and Everyone Active said survivors of sexual abuse had been involved in talks on the name change and they were kept up to date with the process.

The move came into immediate effect, with the organisation, which is based at Rossmore Leisure Centre, now called Poole Gymnastics & Trampolining Club.

In a joint statement, BCP Council and Everyone Active said: “BCP Council, its legacy authorities and Rossmore Leisure Centre have always worked hard to support provision for the many high-quality gymnasts that live and train in Poole.

“OLGA Poole has a long legacy, but also a history which continues to have an adverse resonance for some of its former members many years later. We fully understand the impact that the continued use of the original name would have.

“We have been working closely with British Gymnastics and former members to facilitate a brand change to Poole Gymnastics & Trampolining Club.

“We have liaised with former members in order to provide as much support as we can, as well as keeping them informed throughout the process.

“We do not underestimate the seriousness of the situation and are working closely with everyone involved to make the transition to the new name as smooth as possible.”

All club coaches were consulted and issued with new Poole Gymnastics & Trampolining Club activity uniforms in late 2022.

Recent months have seen the transition to the rebrand, which is reflected online and on social media.

The new name will be used at competitions and there will be a phased introduction of rebranded kit for athletes.