THERE was plenty of appreciation and good cheer at a fundraising event for the Basingstoke Wolverines.

The cheerleading group, held their first Cheer Fayre at Aldworth Science College, in Western Way, South Ham.

Scores of people turned up for the all-day event, the highlights of which were performances by the club’s five dance troupes.

Other attractions included performances by Basingstoke rock band FlashFires and rapper Joe Gravity, an egg and spoon race, and an exhibition of 1950s dance by duo Swingtime Suzie and Spinning Jim.

Money, from what was a successful day, will go towards paying for seven competition-standard training mats, each costing £834.

Basingstoke Wolverines chairman and event organiser Debbie Steel said: “It is hugely important because they do need the mats. When we go to competition we have to take them all the way to Reading because it’s the nearest |training location.”

Among those watching was father Adrian Stait, of Bartok Close, Brighton Hill, Basingstoke.

The 36-year-old’s two daughters, Anya, aged six, and nine-year-old Alicia are both cheerleaders with the Wolverines, while his 34-year-old wife Amanda has just joined the newly-formed adult squad.

He said: “The girls love it. It’s good exercise for them. It can be a bit difficult because we have to drive up and down the country but it’s worth it to see their little faces when they win.”