People with learning disabilities are hoping pom-pom power can take them to new heights.

Bradford District Care Trust is funding a project that will see people with learning disabilities from across the district become cheerleaders.

The Jewels project is the first of its kind in Yorkshire and organisers hope participants will compete in the 2010 international championships.

The first class took place at Ian Clough Hall, Baildon yesterday.

Coach Bernie Nunn said: “We are looking forward to helping people from the full learning disability spectrum get fit and healthy as well as make some new friends.”

Initially the project will be for adults but it is hoped a junior team will be set up in the future.

The care trust provides health and social care for people with mental health and learning disabilities across the district, Debra Gilderdale, interim learning disabilities general manager, said: “This is an excellent example of a learning disabilities project pushing the boundaries. We are always on the look out for partnerships that can provide people who have learning disabilities with unique experiences and the widest possible choice of activities.”

Bernie decided to set up a team comprising members with learning disabilities while competing in the International Cheerleading Coal-ition world championships last year.

The Jewels training kit is sponsored by Banana Moon, but they are keen to find someone to sponsor their performance kit.