A GROUP of 24 majorette dancers in Yate have been crowned national champions after taking part in a two-day competition.


The baton twirling group Yate Star Twirlers were crowned national champions in three categories over the weekend of Saturday, July 4 at the National Association of Majorettes (NAME) national championships, held in Weston-super-Mare.


The troupe, which was founded in 2010 and is made up of girls aged between nine and 20-years-old, came home with three first places, two second places and a third place.


The girls, all from the Yate and Chipping Sodbury area, will now be representing England with their three winning routines at the European Majorette Championships in October, which this year are being held in Italy.


Michelle Taylor, co-founder of the group and trainer, said: “The group was set up three years ago by myself and my sister Melanie Curtis.


“As young girls we were members of a successful majorette group where we had loads of fun and team experiences, and we wanted to give other young boys and girls the opportunity to learn new skills , meet new friends and compete when successful at competition level.


“Yate Star Twirlers qualified to represent England this October in Italy in the Traditional Military category, of which they wear the red, white and blue outfit, the Parade Corps and the Exhibition Corps , of which they are National champions in juvenile section.


“We are so proud of the group as this will be the third time representing and hopefully third time lucky for a podium win.


“We would like to invite any future sponsorship of our group as this enables us to continue to offer these amazing experiences to our group and any future new members.


“We are a self funding group so donations towards competition fees, costumes and make up are always very much appreciated.”


Yate Star Twirlers are trained by Mrs Taylor, Mrs Curtis and Miss Keeley Meridith at Chipping Sodbury School on Thursday evenings from 4pm to 7pm and currently has over 150 members.


For more information about the group or to make a donate contact Mrs Taylor on michelle@yatestartwirlers.co.uk.