BATONS will be twirling as Bolton prepares for its first competition.

Bolton Majorettes are organising the contest and the panel of judges will include last year’s Miss Bolton finalist and former majorette Melissa Callow.

Troupe leader Rachael Bailey, aged 30, said: “We work very hard as a troupe and it is great when new fundraising ideas are achieved.

"I am very proud that we have the best troupe in Bolton.”

Miss Callow said: “The Majorettes helped me raise the money I needed to be part of Miss Bolton 2013.

"I’m really proud to be asked to judge, especially with it being Bolton’s first ever competition of this type.”

The troupe, which performed with Britain’s Got Talent winners Diversity last year, relies entirely on donations.

Tickets for the show, at Bolton Family Church, in Somerset Road, Heaton, on March 22, are £1. Call 07707 646308.