THERE was plenty to about for the Witham-based Essex Elite Cheer Academy team as they booked their place at the national finals of the Future Cheer competition.

The Witham cheerleaders beat teams from all over the country to bring home the big titles from the Future Cheer Adventure in Atlantis competition with trophies for being placed first and second in their events.

Head coach Jenni Balmforth said: "We keep proving that this small team from Witham is amazing.

"It was a good competition with teams from all over the UK.

"Our Essex girls performed with style to the crowds and judges and earned their first-place trophy.

"Our girls have super focus and dedication and that’s why we are able to aim for number one.

"This win has put us on the right road to the nationals and I’m excited for the Future Cheer Nationals now."

The squads train in Witham and the club has teams for different ages and abilities, with two new teams recently started and they are currently recruiting for new members.

Business manager Sue Larkin added: "I couldn't be prouder of the teams we have created and are still creating.

"We have so much planned for the future; we are about to embark on our second European trip as a team and have hopes of competing out in the USA very soon.

"It's been quite an experience working with cheerleaders but I would recommend this sport to any child."