A CHEERLEADING squad had plenty of cause for celebration after enjoying success at a national event.

The Basingstoke Wolverines took 34 members and their parent supporters to the British Cheerleading Association Nationals in Telford, Shropshire.

The teams, who practise at Aldworth Science College in Western Way, South Ham, were up against the best from across the country, and managed to bring a trophy back to Basingstoke.

The Cubs squad, who are aged three to six, came second, while the Wolverines Group Stunt, which is a specialist squad category with five members, also came second.

But it was Amber Oakes, who competed in the Solo Team Tumble, who really managed to impress the judges.

She took part in a specialist category which displays gymnastic ability and dance, and came first against 12 other entrants.

The Kitts squad, made up of seven to nine-year-olds, came third against 11 other teams, while the Spirit squad of 11 to 16-year-olds came fourth.

Debbie Steel, programme manager of the Wolverines, described the success of the whole team as an “amazing achievement”.

The Basingstoke Wolverines are holding a Cheer Fayre on September 10 at Aldworth Science College, to raise money to buy competition-quality cheerleading mats for the teams to train on.

There will be stalls, live bands, a bouncy castle, races and a tombola.