NINE cheerleaders from Bradford are heading to Orlando to represent Great Britain in the ICU World Championships.

The group of six seniors and three juniors from Panache Cheer School, based at Appleton Academy, in Wyke, will be part of Team England Freestyle Pom and will be competing in Florida in April next year.

"We are really proud of them. To have so many flying the flag for Bradford is fantastic," said Panache Cheer School coach, Robyn Morrison.

Team England Freestyle Pom is a unified national team which was selected through try-outs in September.

It is making history this year by taking England’s first Junior Pom team, as well as returning with the seniors who finished 8th in the world last year.

Both teams consist of 18 members who will travel from all parts of the country to train for full days/weekends once a month.

As well as this, the athletes will be expected to practise tirelessly in their own time in order to represent their country to the highest level possible at the most prestigious event in cheerleading and dance.

The teams are fully self-funded and therefore we are looking for sponsors who may be able to contribute and take some financial pressure off the team.

Anyone interested in sponsoring the team should email: teamenglandpom@gmail.com

Further information can be found on Facebook: “Team England Freestyle Pom” or Instagram: @teamenglandfreestylepom