TWINS Barry and Steven Nicholson are celebrating double success at this year’s Special Olympic Games.

The identical duo, from Meltham, beat athletes from all over the country to take home gold and bronze medals for indoor bowling.

Barry and Steven were among 3,000 athletes with learning disabilities who flocked to compete in more than 21 different sports at the six-day event held in Leicester.

The twins, 31, were part of the over 200-strong team representing Yorkshire and Humberside and were cheered on by a crowd of thousands, including Prime Minister Gordon Brown.

Proud mum Marie said: “They took part in a spectacular parade of teams in the opening ceremony, just like they do at the ordinary Olympic games.

“It was held at Leicester City Football Club’s stadium. There were about 15,000 people there and the atmosphere was absolutely fantastic.

“There was such a buzz around the team when they walked out and they were really welcomed – it made you proud to be there.”

The twins were part of a team of nine bowlers, the only two from the Huddersfield area to represent their region.

Marie said: “When Steven won his gold he beat the chap who had won the Scottish championships and Barry was thrilled with his bronze.

“It was really emotional to see them both up on the rostrum together accepting their medals and the smiles on their faces.

“It was particularly lovely to see Steven get the gold medal for a change, because it’s usually the other way around with Barry coming first! But despite coming second to his brother, they were very supportive of each other.”

The brothers are no strangers to success at the huge-scale Special Olympic Games, which take place every four years.

Barry has previously won bronze in golf, while both won golds for their part in the relay team.

The twins, who have autistic tendencies, are members of Huddersfield Indoor Bowling Club and Brockholes Bowling Club.

Steven is a member of a special needs swimming group at The Stadium pool and both attend The Bridgewood Trust craft centre in Armitage Bridge.

Marie said: “I think because the Olympics is for people with learning disabilities, people have this preconception that the standard isn’t going to be as high.

“But that’s not the case at all, the standard is very high and the athletes taking part are very competitive – they go there to win a medal.

“The boys seem to be real naturals at sport, particularly at indoor bowling where their delivery is superb.”

This year’s event proved to be a family affair for the Nicholsons.

Marie was head coach for the indoor bowling team, while husband David acted as technical advisor to the team.

The couple are keen crown green and indoor bowlers themselves and the family often enjoy playing matches together.