A troupe of majorettes have had their fundraising project destroyed by a girl who stole a sponsor sheet and started collecting the money for herself.

The Greatwood and Horseclose Mavericks were so delighted when they were chosen to perform in this year's Skipton gala that they began to raise money for new uniforms straight away.

Rebecca Lawrence, ten, from Greatwood Primary School, was one of the 30 girls who took part in a sponsored sleep over on April 24 in the Greatwood and Horseclose community centre.

Rebecca had been collecting sponsors the week before the event and had managed to get about £70 on her form.

However at some point during the week Rebecca's mother said her daughter had her sponor sheet taken from her coat pocket.

Residents who had their names on the list have said another girl has been visiting them claiming that Rebecca was ill. It is not yet clear how much money the thief has collected.

Rebecca's mother also said that not only has the girl ruined the event for her daughter but for the others as well.

She added that some residents on Rombalds Drive have said they will not now pay out to any of the girls in fear of having their money pocketed.

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