A CHEERLEADING squad celebrated the opening of its new home by showcasing some of their skills.

Rising Phoenix Cheer moved into its new permanent home at Aurora House, in Crockford Lane and on Sunday, 3 June members officially opened the new cheer rehearsal area.

Formerly used for storage and distribution of plush toys, Aurora House provides Rising Phoenix with more accessible to a regular training and rehearsal space compared to their former home at Aldworth School, in Western Way, South Ham.

Rising Phoenix Cheer has become a hugely successful troop since its formation in 2015, with the team recording three first place finishes at a range of different competitions in the last year.

Director at Rising Phoenix, Mandy Stait said: “We are extremely proud to open our new home, it has taken almost a year of hard work but we were very lucky to have the support of a local business who were happy to help us meet our goals in finding a space that we can call our own.

“We are very excited for the future of Rising Phoenix, this is a great opportunity for us to deliver more opportunities for children and young people to engage in sport in Basingstoke's first cheerleading gym.”

Rising Phoenix hosts classes to suit all abilities, experience and commitment levels, and it is continually looking to take on new members to its development team

There will also be try outs being help the week commencing July 9 for the upcoming cheerleading season.

Classes cost £3 per session and anyone who is interested should email risingphoenixcheer@gmail.com or call 07835 761255.

To find out more about the cheerleading squad visit risingphoenixcheer.com.