Ribblesdale has gone cheer crazy!

They have finished off a truly amazing year with yet more trophies and praise after performing at Blackpool Tower.

The talented squad from the Clitheroe school, which now comprises over 60 pupils from all year groups, now compete in five competitions a year. The girls have amassed an impressive 63 individual trophies since they started from scratch two years ago. As well as solo events they now have a Year 8-11 team, who have also enjoyed success this year.

In addition, 52 pupils, including 24 new Year 7 and 8s have just taken part in one of the largest and toughest events in the north of England with teams competing from as far away as Scotland.

The following girls reached the semi finals in their age category; Jordan McTear, Eve Whaling, Eliza Ferris, Ellie Clayton, Morgan Pickup, and Emily Docherty (all aged 11). Caroline Dewhurst and Ellauise Dickinson, both aged 12, also reached the semis.

In the same age group Nina Telford achieved first place in the final with Megan Dickinson achieving the fifth place and Kate Hopkins the seventh. Meanwhile, Leah Ormerod (13) was placed fourth and Toyah Clifton (15) came fifth.

The Year 8-11 Team were very unlucky not to make the top three in the Under-17 team dance, but they danced incredibly well and in many cases against much older girls.

However, it wasn’t just the pupils who enjoyed their moment of fame in the Grand Ballroom. Four very brave cheer mums volunteered to take part in “Mum’s Dance 1” to raise money for the squad.

Denise Hargreaves, Judith Myhill, Lucy Parkinson and Sharon Rawson, from Clitheroe, strutted their stuff in front of 2,000 people cheered on by the pupils!

Between them they raised £500, which will go towards providing coaches to future competitions.

Teacher, Miss Dawn Robinson, can’t thank them enough for their efforts as they are always very supportive at all competitions as are all the parents who attend.

Miss Robinson said: “Success has followed the girls throughout this year. In June they competed in their first local interschool competition at Hyndburn sports centre and won a staggering 17 individual trophies and also achieved first place in the under-17 team event. At the Winter Gardens, Blackpool, they received 10 awards and achieved third position out of eight teams in the team section.

“After Christmas it is likely they will enter two teams in future competitions and will be training hard towards their next outing at the Tower on March 11th. I am extremely proud of all the girls, particularly as they are the only high school which take part in these competitions with the rest being dance schools from the rest of the North West.”

The squad is currently looking for sponsors, so if any local businesses feel they could lend their support then please get in touch with Miss Robinson on 01200 422563. She added: “The club is not funded by school so any support whatsoever would be appreciated especially towards coach travel and competition entries.”