SCOTLAND'S first Commonwealth Games gold medal-winning gymnast, Steve Frew, was joined by youngsters to launch ticket sales for the Glasgow World Cup at Emirates Arena.

The event on March 12 will welcome a star-studded line-up including reigning world pommel horse champion Max Whitlock and Glasgow 2014 gold medallist Daniel Purvis.

Four-time Commonwealth Games champion Claudia Fragapane and Kelly Simm, both part of the recent world bronze medal-winning Great Britain women's team, will also be in action.

The Glasgow World Cup has sold out every year since first being held at Emirates Arena in 2012, providing an opportunity to see 18 of the world's best gymnasts compete only a few months before the Olympic Games in Rio.

This year's start list includes world and European medallists MyKayla Skinner (USA), Lieke Wevers (Netherlands) and Maria Kharenkova (Russia).

Steve, 43, won gold in the men's rings at the 2002 Commonwealth Games in Manchester.

He represented Scotland and Great Britain at more than 100 events including two world championships and five Commonwealth Games during his 23-year career.

The Falkirk-born star is now an athlete mentor for the Sky Sports Living for Sport Programme and regularly visits schools and sports clubs across the country to work with young people.

Steve, who was joined by Maryhill-based Sapphire Gymnastics Club, described the Glasgow World Cup as a "spectacular showcase" for the sport.

He said: "Glasgow is a world-class gymnastics city and the world's best gymnasts can expect a warm welcome from the people of Glasgow.

"I'm sure they will enjoy the magic of the gymnastics."

Depute leader of Glasgow City Council and chairman of Glasgow Life, Councillor Archie Graham, said:

"It is shaping up to be the best World Cup in years with a host of stars, including newly crowned world champion Max Whitlock, set to take to compete as part of their final preparations for the Rio 2016 Olympic Games."

Tickets are on sale now, call 0141 353 8000 or visit glasgowworldcup.com