IT was three cheers for the new national champions — of cheerleading.

The Horwich Hunters Cheerleading Squad returned victorious from the UK Cheerleading Association Spring Nationals after beating more than 60 squads to claim the title.

Some 60 athletes from the club trained as a part of three teams since February to showcase their perfected routines and choreography to five national judges and more than 2,000 spectators. The judges were wowed by their dedication to the sport and inspirational attitudes.

Alicia-Paris Fairclough, head coach and founder of the Hunters, said: “I am so proud of all of my teams. It’s thanks to their hard work and dedication that they were able to achieve this.”

Even though the 60-strong squad were already regional champions, it was only the second year the girls had competed in the national competition.

They also brought home two runner-up championship prizes.

Miss Fairclough, aged 22, added: “Last year we came last at the nationals so to win this year was amazing. “The judges said they were astounded at how far we’d come in just a year.But it’s not just about the competing with our squad. The best thing is seeing how much fun the girls have and how much they grow in confidence once they’ve started.

“We do dancing, tumbling, gymnastics and just have fun.

“Cheerleading is huge in England now and if our population was as big as America’s, it would be even bigger over here than it is there.”

Miss Fairclough started cheerleading when she was a student at the University of Central Lancashire. She then decided to start her own squad in her hometown.

Miss Fairclough said: “The squad’s my baby and I’ll be carrying on with it even though I’ve just finished university.

“We’re hoping to start adding extra training sessions each week but we’re yet to confirm the days.”

The Hunters take on cheerleaders of all ages and abilities, training every Monday night at Horwich Leisure Centre.

For information go to hunterscheerleading.com.