CHEERLEADERS are celebrating after scooping top spot at a national competition.

Members of Storm Elite took part in the Future Cheer Competition last weekend.

The senior team - nicknamed Extreme - won a trophy for coming out on top of all the rest of the competition while youth side Power achieved fifth place.

The squad travel all over the country at weekends to take part in competitions, but this event was held in Maldon.

Head coach Holly Robertson Connell who leads training sessions at Thomas Lord Audley School and the Iceni Gymnastics Club in Stanway said she was proud of her team.

She said: "They perform just one routine which is limited to two and a half minutes and then you have to wait for the results to come in.

"But the results this weekend were amazing.

"Cheerleading is growing so rapidly, it is being recognised as an Olympic sport.

"There are all sorts of skills involved - timing, co-ordination, strength and showmanship."