An Irvine schoolgirl was left in tears after being refused entry to a trampoline park 'because she has Downs Syndrome.'

Dana Henry went to Flip Out in Glasgow last week for a fun day out with her parents Lisa, 29, and Colin, 34, and little sister Ava, eight - but the 10-year-old was refused entry at the door because of her condition.

Flip Out say Dana was refused entry because the family were not able to produce a GP's letter to say it would be safe for Dana to take part.

Anyone with Down’s Syndrome who wants to take part in gymnastics activity requires a medical screening and approval under requirements issued by the British Gymnastics Association.

Lawthorn Primary pupil Dana, attends Irvine Newtown gymnastics in Dreghorn, and has been approved by her doctor and the British Gymnastics Association.  

Lisa said: "We had all been to Flip Out before and never had any issues. I had even called ahead to make them aware of Dana's condition and they said it would be fine.

"But then we got there and they were putting the bands on all the other kids and they just walked past Dana. Then they told us she wouldn't be able to go on because she has Down's Syndrome. I couldn't believe it. She was standing right there and burst out crying because she could hear what they were saying. It was so upsetting.

"We try to make sure Dana isn't treated differently to other children and then something like this happens. It made me feel sick.

"I even showed them Dana's gymnastics card which proves she is fine to take part in those kind of activities, but they just were not interested. 

"They were trying to tell me about my child's condition, as if I was stupid. I would never put Dana in a situation where she could be hurt. She has been to trampoline parks before and she loves them."

Lisa says Flip Out gave the family free passes to use on a return visit and offered to give them a free lunch. She added: "They told us to go to the cafe and get free food, but we just wanted to leave. By that point Dana was crying and I was crying and my husband was getting agitated so we left."

A spokesperson for Flip Out said: "Flip Out Glasgow is an inclusive family run business that works tirelessly to ensure that everyone within our community is welcomed and treated equally.

"The safety of all our customers is our number one priority. As such, Flip Out UK recently introduced new health & safety measures which were recommended by leading advisers in this field, Right Directions.

"One of their recommendations, now implemented across all venues, is one which follows the advice of the Down's Syndrome Association and The British Gymnastic Association on the issue of potential neck instability in people with Down's syndrome, in relation to several sports including trampolining.

"It is advised that the families and carers of anyone with Down's syndrome should bring a GP's letter to confirm that there are no neck instability issues before taking part in trampolining.

"The safety of our customers is at the heart of everything we do and to allow individuals access to the facility without the recommended pre-screening would be placing them at risk.

"The family were unfortunately not in a position to produce a GP's letter confirming that it was completely safe to take part and were offered free passes with lunch vouchers for a return visit when the letter was obtained. We will try to engage with the family to ensure they have a brilliant time on their return visit, which we hope will be very soon.

"We're truly sorry for any upset this has caused but hope everyone understands our position on such an important matter. We absolutely and warmly welcome any customer with Downs syndrome, we simply need to be sure they are completely safe to jump. 

"Staff training and awareness sessions are being implemented currently and are on-going and we will make sure the appropriate information is made available to ensure disappointment like this doesn't happen again."